Which of these inspirational quotes is your favourite?
I have many favourite inspirational quotes that inspire me. In fact my Instagram account is packed with every quote under the sun. When I find myself in times of struggle, I call on some of my favourites to push me through. Here are 7 of my favourite quotes that have had a profound effect on my life. I hope they help you.
“It’s all been for this”
In 2005, I completed the Australian Ironman triathlon; one of the hardest physical challenges available to everyday people. I had a few quotes that helped me through the grueling 13 hours and 45 minutes that it took me to complete the event.
This one was to remind me that the past 12 months had been dedicated to this moment. There was training, qualifying and preparing for this amazing goal. I had put so much blood, sweat and tears into being there. I needed to remember that all that hard work had been to get me to this point. No matter what happened, no matter how much it hurt, no matter how much I started to doubt myself, I needed to remind myself that I was so incredibly fortunate to be able to be involved.
I had a wristband wrapped around my bike head stem with this quote written on it. There were many times during the 180km ride that I felt lonely, isolated and in pain. As I battled the wind and the hills, I reminded myself that “it’s all been for this”. It allowed me to enjoy every minute of the experience and it worked!
“The pain will be temporary but the memories will last forever”
This inspirational quote is by the famous (and now not so popular) Lance Armstrong. Winning a record 7 Tour de France races between 1999 – 2006 and establishing himself as one of the most superior cycling athletes of all time, Armstrong continually defended himself against doubters who did not believe he could have achieved the feats he did without cheating. He finally admitted in 2013 that he had cheated and was stripped of his titles. Regardless, I still love this quote and what it stands for. This quote can be applied to anything in life which requires short term pain and sacrifice to achieve a goal.
I have used this quote with my personal training clients many times over the years. As I helped everyday people set extraordinary goals, I reminded them that there may be short moments of discomfort along the way. However once they had completed their goal, it was something that would last with them for the rest of their lives. Once the goal was complete, no one could ever take it away from them.
“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes, and then learn how to do it later.” – Richard Branson
Richard Branson is one of my favourite entrepreneurial leaders of all time. I have used this quote numerous times in my life, particularly over the last 3 years or so. I have to say that this time in my life has been one of the greatest periods of growth in my life. If you want to grow, use this quote as inspiration to say “yes!” to any and every opportunity.
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who usually do.” – Steve Jobs
I love this quote because it sums up the amazing contribution that the supposed “misfits” of this word have achieved. I have experienced the ‘one size fits all’ mentality of the modern day schooling system with my boys. I am forever frustrated by the pigeon holing that some teachers and schools perpetuate. We need to be celebrating the unique contributions of every child. We especially need to be nurturing the special talents of those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world! They are our future! I hope my children will be this crazy.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out”
I have this quote on my wall by my front door and it’s there to teach my children, they are amazing just as they are. One of my biggest fears is that they will make bad (and potentially dangerous) decisions because of peer pressure, just to fit in. I want them to understand that they were born to be unique and special and it’s these traits that make them amazing.
“Without pressure, there is no diamonds”
This quote is one of my favourite because it sums up how I live my life! I have confessed to being a Productive Procrastinator. It means that I regularly leave things to the last minute but I seem to work best this way. When I’m under pressure, I achieve amazing things.
“Every great journey begins with one step” – Confucius
How true this is. Fear can so easily prevent us from taking this important first step. Because of this fear, it’s so easy to not even try. In a previous post, I have written about how fear is a contributing factor to self sabotage. To achieve great things, you just need to start with the smallest step. Take that one small step today.
What’s your favourite quote?
Inspirational quotes are a dime a dozen, but you only need one to change your life. I hope at least one of these 7 has resonated with you. Leave a comment to let me know which one is your favourite, or add your own.
Inspirational quotes are a dime a dozen, but you only need one to change your life. Share on X
I think of the 7 this is my favorite. “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes, and then learn how to do it later.” – Richard Branson If for no other reason then it gets me out of my comfort zone. And I need that sometimes.
That’s one of my favourite too Rae! I have taken on this advice over the past 2 years and done more that terrifies me than I have in a long time. I can honestly say it’s been one of the biggest periods of growth for me too!
I love these! Every motivational and inspiring!
Thanks so much Bethany! I’m glad you were inspired 🙂
I absolutely love quotes and this post is amazing 🙂
Thanks so much Nabeeda! So pleased you love it.
Wow….Lisa I am here again ….It’s really awesome experience to read you I really follow these quotes in my life
So glad to have you back Nidhi! Thanks for adding value and sharing your thoughts once again. You are very much appreciated 🙂
All of these are great. I think the RIchard Branson one is the scariest, and yet truest of my life. I’m forever finding myself committed to something that scares me stupid because I have NO IDEA how to complete the task. I keep saying, “Why did I ever say I’d do this?” Yet, somehow, I get through it.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you just give yourself permission to try! Keep stepping out of your comfort zone Shirley!
Such a great post! I really love the last quote, fear has stopped from doing so many things but recently I am really trying to push myself to take the first steps so my journey can begin
Wow that’s fantastic Karlena, anything is possible if you push through fear!
Thanks for sharing these awesome quotes. There were many I hadn’t heard before or hadn’t heard in a long time.
I hope they’ve given you some inspiration Kathleen 🙂
My favorite quote will always be “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
That’s a great one Erin, thanks so much for sharing.
The Steve Jobs quote is my favorite for sure! I can sort of relate lol.
That’s awesome Tina! Go forward and change the world!! :
Loved the Steve Jobs quote because it is so true. It’s all about mindset that dictates behavior.
Completely agree Dee, you have to back yourself don’t you. If you don’t, who else is going to!
I love Steve Jobs and Richard Branson’s quotes…my favorite lately has been, “Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack” – Unknown.
Oh that is brilliant Renee! I love that quote. Thanks so much for sharing your favourite.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out”
I’ve struggled with this for most of my life. It’s much easier to blend in and be ‘normal’ but it’s the ones who stand out and who are ‘different’ that are really living. I’m trying to walk in my truth of standing out! Great read to start my morning!
Good for you Kanani! I actually have this one as an art piece on my wall for my kids to see everyday. I want them to know they can be themselves and they don’t have to succumb to peer pressure just to fit in. Fingers crossed it has sunk in!
Every Great Journey Begins with one step is my fav!
Yes I love that one too Cassandra!
These are all such great quotes. I like to take inspirational quotes and right how they are relevant to me on them and then reflect back later. It helps me really apply what I believe is the meaning behind them to my life. Thanks for posting!
Amazing Merchon I love that. what a great way to apply what you learn and be able to reflect back on it in a meaningful way.
Her success is not your failure….my favorite
That’s brilliant I love that Kim! Support a fellow entrepreneur 🙂
My favorite is probably the best-known, most often quoted one: the quotation from Confucius, “Every great journey begins with one step.” Pondering this statement lets me know that everybody started at the beginning, somewhere. That said, it means that I have a chance of achieving wonderful things, too.
Yes that’s a brilliant reminder that we all having to start somewhere!
Loved these Lisa!
My favourite type of motivational quotes are ones that make success seem to micro – like one step, one thing, just start now vibes.
Thanks for these,
Nadalie, It’s All You Boo
NEW POST: 19 Quotes that Motivate You to Start
Yes I love those types of quotes too Nadalie. It’s all about one small step at a time isn’t it 🙂 Just keep swimming (just like Dory says!)
I love a good inspirational quotes! And these are fantastic! I think mine has always been you can’t discover new oceans unless you have courage to lose sight of the shore. Sometimes it is all too easy to get stuck in our comfort zones, but the minute you push yourself just a little, the real adventure begins!
That’s another great one Cassie! I think I might have to update this post or create another one with all the other great quotes that have been contributed 🙂
I have so many, it’s hard to pick just one. The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose is one of my favorites, though. Thanks for such an uplifting post!
Oh yes I love that one too Daneen. One of my favourties I didn’t add to this list.
Love these quotes, and congrats on not just finishing, but a great time as well (the marathon would be my downfall timewise)!
One of the things I started telling myself when I was bike racing and suffering was, “I am where I need to be at this time,” which, to be honest, is a quote I am not certain if I read somewhere, or just made up in my mind. I did find that it helped me make it through many lactic soaked bouts of oxygen debt though, so I am very familiar with the use of an inspirational quote to help get me to the podium.
Great post, and inspirational in itself (hmmm, do I have time to sneak a quick ride in right now:)?).
Love it Scot! Thanks for adding another great quote to this list. And all the best with your riding and racing!
So true you only need one you believe in to get you through.
Absolutely Ann-maree!
I love quotes – I have Pinterest boards full of them – under different categories. I think the ones I’ve been saving in my Midlife Quotes Board (https://au.pinterest.com/leannelecras/midlife-~-quotes/) are the ones that are hitting home the most lately. You’re never too old to learn new things!
Thanks for contributing Leanne!
Wonderful quotes. I love the Richard Branson quote.
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Thanks Michelle, yes one of my favourites.
My favorite quote “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who usually do.” – Steve Jobs thanks a lot you have really inspired me this morning
Oh yeah I love that too Gina. It’s a great reminder to think big and go after your dreams!
I lovee all of these, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much Ella 🙂
These are all great quotes, I love that you hung the one “Why fit in when you were born to stand out” to encourage your children to be themselves and know they are perfect just the way they are!
Yes I love that one too Lisa 🙂 I think my kids are pretty damn special just the way they are so why not remind them every day xx
There’s just so many to choose from. And I think each one resonates at different stages and for different reasons. I guess the one that I use a lot with clients is, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” 🙂
That’s a good one Ben, I agree, because it’s so true!
I love quotes! these are some of my absolute favourites.
Thankyou Nafisah!
Such great inspirational quotes!
Thanks so much Suzanne!
The quote below is so me. I love a good trial and error.
“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes, and then learn how to do it later.” – Richard Branson
This quote has lead me inso many directions I never would have had the courage to go before Tione! It’s amazing when you dive in head first!