We all have times when we feel low or doubt ourselves. Despite feeling we are the only ones, there are millions of people both now and that have gone before us that have felt the same level of helplessness, fear, worry, doubt or anxiety. We can learn a lot from others and many who have faced similar fears to us have left guidance in the form of inspirational quotes to help us along the way.
Some inspirational quotes come from famous figures both in history and in our current lives, some from normal, everyday people who have achieved extraordinary things, some who have used the words they share with us to fight their own internal battles no matter how small they may seem to others.
Words have power beyond measure. If one person through their words of inspiration and encouragement can help us achieve our dreams, overcome life’s obstacles or lift our spirit and give us hope, even in the smallest way then the value of these words are priceless.
Here are a selection of some of my favourite inspirational quotes to help give encouragement in the many challenges you or someone you know may be facing in life.
If you find inspiration from these words, please share them with a friend, colleague or family member, the act of just sharing these in itself is inspiring and encouraging and shows that a person is in our thoughts and that we care.
Inspirational Quotes about Succeeding
We are all striving for our own version of success in one way or another, whether that be in our careers, personal health and fitness, relationships or just life in general. Sometimes it can be hard to keep going and moving forward as we face our fears or obstacles that stand in our way. These can sometimes make us wonder if we’ll ever achieve our goals. Whatever your vision for personal ‘success’ the quotes below may just help you move forward in your journey.
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
Albert Einstein
I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.
Michael Jordan
However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
Stephen Hawking
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
Vince Lombardi
The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.
Colin R. Davis
Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.
Chris Grosser
Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.
Jim Rohn
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
John Wooden
Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.
Louis Pasteur
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.
Dale Carnegie
Inspirational Quotes for Women
For years women were considered unequal to men in our society and were expected to stay at home and take care of the children and family only. It seems so hard to believe now in these modern times where women in many cases not only bear and take care of their children but balance this with demanding careers, active lifestyles and an array of emotional ups and downs. Despite some that have the support of a loving partner or family and friends, women still face their own challenges and some of the quotes below from the most inspirational women of our time may help them to understand that they are not alone.
When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.
Helen Keller
Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.
Margaret Thatcher
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Maya Angelou
A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.
Eleanor Roosevelt
A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
Diane Mariechild
Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses.
Madame Marie du Deffand
There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.
Maria Mitchell
As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot.
John Lennon
Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.
Oprah Winfrey
A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.
Nancy Rathburn
Inspirational Quotes for Work
Our work plays a prominent part in our day to day life. We spend more time on the work we do and the people we do it with than anything else. This could be in a job or the work we do for our families or charities or communities. To be happy, inspired and challenged in our work is to enjoy and embrace it. Like everything else in life there are times when we doubt our own abilities, face difficult challenges or fear failure. Here are some quotes about our work and the positivity and inspiration we can draw from the experience.
If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.
Steve Jobs
The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.
Ayn Rand
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
Henry Ford
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Wayne Gretzky
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
Dalai Lama
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
Winston Churchill
Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.
Carlos Castaneda
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Steve Jobs
Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Inspirational Quotes about Life
As humans we all have a tendency to doubt ourselves from time to time in life. It is therefore a blessing to be reminded of our true potential and that we can achieve our personal goals and dreams as have many others that have gone before us. We are sometimes our own worst critic and negative thoughts can get in the way of our life’s work and personal progress. Here are a few inspirational quotes to remind us that we are indeed great and blessed to have this experience we call life.
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
Oscar Wilde
No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough.
Mae West
People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Steve Jobs/Rob Siltanen
I believe purpose is something for which one is responsible; it’s not just divinely assigned.
Michael J. Fox
There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honour your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.
Oprah Winfrey
Lean forward into your life. Begin each day as if it were on purpose.
Mary Anne Radmacher
I would argue that nothing gives life more purpose than the realization that every moment of consciousness is a precious and fragile gift.
Steven Pinker
We generate fears while we sit, we overcome them by action.
Dr. Henry Link
One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching.
Gerard Way
Inspirational Quotes for Kids
Our children are the future generation of parents, teachers and world leaders. Teaching our children whilst they are young that they can achieve anything they put their mind to is the single best thing we can do as parents. So many times as children are growing up their dreams are quashed by well meaning parents or teachers who don’t want the child to be ‘disappointed’ in life. The only disappointment is that our children don’t pursue their dreams and go on to live a life of personal greatness and happiness. These quotes are perfect to inspire our children to dream big and embrace their individuality.
We know what we are but know not what we maybe.
Shakespeare
Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucious
Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.
John Wooden
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
Japanese Proverb
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.
Oprah Winfrey
Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.
Hans Christen Andersen
We must be the change we want to see.
Mahatma Gandhi
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Mark Twain
Business Motivational Quotes
Being in business has its challenges and even the most focussed business person or entrepreneur can have their low moments. There are many business leaders that have gone through these ups and downs who we can learn and take inspiration from. Some of the greatest business minds of our time have failed over and over again but their perseverance has helped them to overcome obstacles and triumph in their chosen field. Whether you are looking to diversify your business, have a light bulb moment for a new product or service idea, increase your sales or gain an injection of motivation, these inspirational business quotes may be just the thing to bring back the fire in your belly.
Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune.
Jim Rohn
Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.
Henry Ford
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle
What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
Napoleon Hill
Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.
Zig Ziglar
A goal is a dream with a deadline.
Napoleon Hill
If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to meet it!
Jonathan Winters
Have the end in mind and every day make sure your working towards it
Ryan Allis
The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.
Ralph Nader
Business has only two functions – marketing and innovation.
Peter Drucker
