Tired and Uninspired? These 25 Quotes Will Light a Fire in Your Belly (2024)

We all have those days when the will to do anything seems out of reach. Whether we’re feeling stuck in a rut, overwhelmed by our to-do list, upset by a recent setback, or just plain blah, it’s normal to lose our momentum from time to time.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge or a spark of inspiration to get us going again. That’s where motivational quotes come in—these simple yet powerful words can give us a push when we need it most.

“Motivational quotes remind us that we can do hard things when we need to. They also remind us that we're not alone, that others also have trouble getting things done sometimes,” says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Clarity Clinic, Chicago.

Motivational quotes remind us that we can do hard things when we need to. They also remind us that we're not alone, that others also have trouble getting things done sometimes.

AIMEE DARAMUS, PSYD

We've compiled a collection of motivational quotes that will inspire you to get going. When your energy and creativity levels are low, these quotes by famous people will remind you to keep at it until you achieve your goals. Remember, you’ve got this!

At a Glance

We all have those days when we feel stuck and cannot for the life of us summon the will to do anything. Motivational quotes can be like supportive friends, offering powerful words of encouragement when we need it most. So, the next time you’re feeling down, take a few minutes to read these quotes.

25 Motivational Quotes

Here are some motivational quotes that will inspire you to keep going:

If you can dream it, you can do it.

WALT DISNEY

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.

GEORGE LORIMER

The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.

JOE GIRARD

I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.

ESTÉE LAUDER

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.

VINCE LOMBARDI

It is only when we take chances that our lives improve.

WALTER ANDERSON

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.

CHRIS GROSSER

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

PAULO COELHO

Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.

JIM ROHN

He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

CONFUCIUS

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

JIM ROHN

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

GEORGE ELIOT

Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.

BOB RILEY

Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

MARGARET ATWOOD

One of the differences between some successful and unsuccessful people is that one group is full of doers, while the other is full of wishers.

EDMOND MBIAKA

Do the best you can. No one can do more than that.

JOHN WOODEN

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.

ZIG ZIGLAR

Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

VINCE LOMBARDI

Love your family, work super hard, live your passion.

GARY VAYNERCHUK

A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.

CONFUCIUS

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

MARK CUBAN

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.

LUCILLE BALL

25 Self-Worth and Self-Esteem Quotes You Needed to Hear Today

How to Use Motivational Quotes for Daily Inspiration

We all need motivation to get us through the day.

Motivational quotes can be helpful because life can be exhausting sometimes, and we have to do things that we don't like, says Dr. Daramus. “It's easy to do things that are exciting, like playing with your pet or watching a good movie, but when you have to do something that's not interesting to you, then you have to find a way to motivate yourself.”

These are some strategies that can help you use motivational quotes for a daily dose of inspiration:

  • Select quotes that align with your goals: Pick quotes that speak to you and align with what you're trying to achieve.
  • Start your day with a quote: Begin your day by reading or writing a motivational quote that resonates with you. It can be a great way to set a positive tone for the day.
  • Use visual reminders: Place motivational quotes on your mirror, fridge, desk, computer, or phone screen. This way, they will serve as constant reminders to stay focused and motivated.
  • Recite quotes as mantras: Certain quotes can become your go-to phrases during stressful or challenging times. Repeat them like a mantra to calm your mind or boost your confidence.
  • Incorporate quotes into journaling: When you write in your journal at the end of the day, reflect on a quote and write how it applied to your experiences. This helps deepen its meaning and keeps you connected to your motivation.
  • Share quotes with others: When you find a quote that resonates with you, share it! Whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or on social media, spreading positive words helps create strong bonds.

50 Inspiring Journal Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

What to Do When Quotes Aren’t Enough

While motivational quotes can be a powerful tool, they may not always provide the inspiration you need. Here’s what you can do when inspirational words aren’t cutting it:

  • Reflect on your feelings: Sometimes we rely on quotes to help us feel better without addressing the issue that’s bothering us and holding us back. If you're feeling stuck or demotivated, take some time to reflect on what's going on. For instance, factors like stress and burnout can take a major toll on your motivation levels.
  • Revisit your goals: If your motivation is fading, it may be time to revisit your goals. Are they still meaningful to you? Do they need to be adjusted? Being passionate about what you’re doing can be a powerful source of motivation.
  • Take small action steps: Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. Instead of waiting to feel inspired, set clear, achievable goals, and break them down into actionable steps, says Tatiana Rivera Cruz, MSW, LCSW, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor. Taking action, even if it's small, can help build momentum and eventually lead to a bigger sense of accomplishment.
  • Change your environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can spark creativity and motivation. Try working in a different location or taking a short break.
  • Focus on self-care: When we’re physically or mentally drained, no amount of motivational words can move us. Take a step back and assess whether you’ve been neglecting your self-care. Sometimes rest, relaxation, and recharging are exactly what you need to regain your motivation.
  • Seek support: Seek support from mentors or peers, says Cruz. Sometimes we need more than a motivational boost—we need connection, advice, perspective, or emotional support to help us move forward.

What to Do When You Have No Motivation

Parting Words

When nothing seems to lift you up or push you forward, it may be a sign that something deeper needs your attention. A persistent lack of motivation can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, like depression. If you’re struggling with something and need help, please reach out to a mental healthcare provider for support.

The Psychology Behind Motivation

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Dall'Ora C, Ball J, Reinius M, Griffiths P. Burnout in nursing: A theoretical review. Hum Resour Health. 2020 Jun 5;18(1):41. doi:10.1186/s12960-020-00469-9

  2. Cabrita C, Duarte AP. Passionately demanding: Work passion's role in the relationship between work demands and affective well-being at work. Front Psychol. 2023 Feb 9;14:1053455. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1053455

  3. Bartlett MJ, Arslan FN, Bankston A, Sarabipour S. Ten simple rules to improve academic work-life balance. PLoS Comput Biol. 2021 Jul 15;17(7):e1009124. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009124

  4. Fervaha G, Foussias G, Takeuchi H, Agid O, Remington G. Motivational deficits in major depressive disorder: Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships with functional impairment and subjective well-being. Compr Psychiatry. 2016 Apr;66:31-8. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.12.004

Tired and Uninspired? These 25 Quotes Will Light a Fire in Your Belly (1)

By Sanjana Gupta
Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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