Quotes About Motivation

These quotes about motivation come from several sources including an ancient Chinese philosopher and a legendary football coach. Everyone needs motivation to get moving and keep going towards their goals. The best source of motivation often comes from those who have achieved success and can show others the way.

1. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain. Twain was always an out-of-the box thinker and encouraged others to expand their horizons as well. Twain certainly followed his own motivational advice by traveling to the American West and through Europe. Twain’s advice to think years ahead is one way to realize what you need to do to avoid regrets.  
2. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-tzu. This Chinese philosopher may have lived 2500 years ago but his piece of motivational advice has gotten many moving toward their goals. Many have used these words to inspire them to go on a journey, but it can also apply to life goals. Whether it is starting an exercise program, going back to college, or solving a problem in life, it really does begin with the first step which is often the hardest one to take.
3. “It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up.” Vince Lombardi. Famous American football coach Lombardi was known for his motivational skills. Not only did he inspire his teams, but he was so inspiring that the trophy given to the winning team of the Super Bowl was named for him. The advice to keep going carries a lot of weight coming from this game-winning coach.
4. “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. As Emerson indicated, being successful begins with attitude. Emerson was not a conformist, he promoted individualism and encouraged his readers to break out of society's constraints. Most modern entrepreneurs are successful because of their enthusiasm for their business. 
5. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau, a 19th century poet, certainly blazed his own trail. He lived a solitary life of exploration in the woods and wrote about it in “Walden Pond,” a literary classic. He also worked to abolish slavery. This maverick is certainly in a position to offer advice to others.