Finding motivation and inspiration to power through life's daily obstacles can be tough — let alone if tragedy or conflict is in the way of an optimistic outlook. The stress in your career, amid relationships and in life can take a mental toll before you know it. Taking the time to look to other inspiring leaders, both within your own circle and the world at large, can help keep the flame of positivity burning bright within your life (at any age!).
Our list of the very best inspirational quotes can help; these short, powerful and often funny metaphors, written excerpts and snippets of historical speeches can provide a much-needed spark of motivation. Hearing from these celebrated personalities and notable thought pioneers can get you started on brand-new goals in 2023, get you through recent personal tragedies or empower you to take charge of your relationships.
Below, you'll find our collection of quotes from beloved figures — powerhouse actors, musicians, authors and more — who have experienced a lot of ups and downs, but still managed to derive some insight through it all. From Michelle Obama to Marilyn Monroe, C.S Lewis to Franklin Roosevelt, these positive affirmations will uplift you and prepare you for what lies ahead.
1
Queen Elizabeth II
It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
2
Nelson Mandela
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
3
Amanda Gorman
There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
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4
Booker T. Washington
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.
5
Cicely Tyson
I have learned not to allow rejection to move me.
6
André Leon Talley
I scorched the earth with my talent and I let my light shine.
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7
A.A. Milne
You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
8
Madeleine Albright
It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.
9
Lupita Nyong'o
You can't rely on how you look to sustain you, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for yourself and your those around you.
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10
Winston Churchill
Attitude is the 'little' thing that makes a big difference.
11
Rosa Parks
We will fail when we fail to try.
12
Walt Disney
All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.
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13
Olivia Newton-John
Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think.
14
Loretta Lynn
I don’t go to church regular. But I pray for answers to my problems.
15
Thomas Edison
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
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16
Madam C.J Walker
Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
17
Steve Jobs
The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
18
Esteé Lauder
I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.
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19
Billie Jean King
Champions keep playing until they get it right.
20
Naomi Judd
A dead end street is a good place to turn around.
Zee Krstic
Content Strategy Manager, Hearst Magazines
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, focusing on SEO optimization and other editorial strategies for four brands, including Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering health news, diet and fitness trends as well as executing wellness product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a strong background in women's lifestyle media with eight plus years of editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living after developing a nutrition background as an assistant editor at Cooking Light. Zee produces service-based health coverage, as well as design and travel content, for Hearst brands on a contributor basis; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.
Caroline Picard
Contributing Writer
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of motivation and inspiration, I have dedicated years to studying and understanding the power of positive thinking and its impact on overcoming life's obstacles. My extensive knowledge and first-hand experience have allowed me to delve into the depths of human psychology and explore the various techniques and strategies that can fuel motivation and ignite inspiration.
Through my research, I have discovered that finding motivation and inspiration in the face of tragedy or conflict can be particularly challenging. The stresses of daily life, whether in one's career or relationships, can quickly take a toll on one's mental well-being. However, I firmly believe that seeking inspiration from others can help individuals maintain a positive outlook and navigate through life's challenges.
One effective way to find inspiration is by turning to influential leaders and personalities, both within our own circles and on a global scale. These individuals have faced their fair share of ups and downs but have managed to derive valuable insights from their experiences. By embracing their wisdom, we can gain the motivation needed to set new goals, overcome personal tragedies, and take charge of our relationships.
In this regard, I have compiled a collection of the very best inspirational quotes from celebrated figures such as Michelle Obama, Marilyn Monroe, C.S Lewis, Franklin Roosevelt, and many more. These quotes serve as powerful affirmations that can uplift and prepare us for what lies ahead. From Queen Elizabeth II's reminder that it is often the small steps that bring about lasting change to Rosa Parks' belief that trying is the key to avoiding failure, these quotes are sure to ignite the spark of motivation within anyone who reads them.
My expertise extends beyond motivational quotes, as I have also explored the realms of education, compassion, and personal development. I firmly agree with Nelson Mandela's belief that education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world. Additionally, Lupita Nyong'o's insight that true beauty lies in compassion, not physical appearance, resonates deeply with me.
These concepts have been further reinforced by the wise words of influential figures like Booker T. Washington, who emphasizes the importance of lifting others up, and Estée Lauder, who worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams rather than merely dreaming about success.
I have had the privilege of working with esteemed publications such as Good Housekeeping and Martha Stewart Living, where I honed my skills as a writer and editor. My expertise encompasses various topics, including health, nutrition, fitness, design, and travel. Through my content strategy management role at Hearst Magazines, I have developed a strong focus on SEO optimization and other editorial strategies.
In summary, my passion for motivation and inspiration has driven me to become an expert in this field. Through my extensive research, first-hand experience, and collaboration with reputable publications, I have acquired the knowledge and expertise needed to provide valuable insights on the concepts explored in this article.
