Encouraging Words: 14 Quotes to Motivate You

Most people have days when they feel less inspired or motivated than usual. Many of us feel our best less often than we would like to. Words of encouragement can be a helpful tool for getting out of a slump. Encouragement has been linked to higher success in completion of goals, improved self-esteem, and increased openness.

Whether you are trying to improve your current mood or searching for inspiration to start your week, begin here! You can download these quotes for yourself or share them on social media. For more, follow GoodTherapy.org on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” – Arthur Golden

“As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation – either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

“Do not give up: The beginning is always the hardest.”

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis

“Bear patiently, my heart – for you have suffered heavier things.” – Homer

“On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possible endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%, and that’s pretty good.” – Unknown

“Maybe not today, or even in a year, but eventually things will turn up. You will get better and be able to look back and say with relief: ‘I made it.'” – Unknown

“I know you’re sad, so I won’t tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day. Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, and don’t give up on yourself just yet. It’ll get better. Until then, have a day.” – Unknown

“Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coelho

“You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.” – Unknown

“Life is not a spectator sport.” – Jackie Robinson

“In order to achieve anything, you must be brave enough to fail.” – Kirk Douglas

“I’ve never known a strong person with an easy past.” – Unknown

One key to staying motivated is accepting that failure is a part of growth. If you are trying to reach a goal, you will likely fall short at some point. We all fail, and that is okay—it is part of being human. What matters more than the failure itself is how you respond to it. Do you give up, or try again? We hope these quotes encourage you to accept shortcomings, learn from mistakes, and strive toward your goals regardless of imperfection.

Sometimes, it takes more than reading motivational quotes to feel energized. If you feel sad, lonely, or stuck in a rut you can’t get out of alone, there is help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be the extra push that helps you get unstuck.

In therapy, you may be able to learn what is causing you to feel discouraged. A therapist can help you discover if a mental health issue is adding to these feelings. They may also teach you skills that can help improve motivation and energy.

Reference:

Wong, Y. J. (2015, February 23). The psychology of encouragement: Theory, research, and applications. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(2), 178-216. doi: 10.1177/0011000014545091

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