Ah, motivational quotes — the coffee shots for the soul. They can push us over the hump of procrastination or give us that cheeky grin on a tough day. Here are ten gems that not only motivate but might just make you laugh at life’s little ironies.
Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
- Author: Winston S. Churchill
- Year: 1949
- Context: From a speech at the University of Zurich, encouraging students not to rest on laurels or despair over setbacks.
Quote: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
- Author: Dalai Lama
- Year: 1993
- Context: He shared this light-hearted wisdom during a talk at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the impact of small actions.
Quote: “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.”
- Author: Mallory Hopkins
- Year: 2017
- Context: This quip appeared on Mallory Hopkins’ Instagram story, (@malloryjhopkins), where she often shares humorous life advice.
Quote: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
- Author: Thomas A. Edison
- Year: Circa 1910
- Context: Reflecting on his experiments with the light bulb, this quote comes from Edison’s personal journals, which you can explore in “The Papers of Thomas A. Edison”.
Quote: “Do or do not. There is no try.”
- Author: Yoda (via George Lucas)
- Year: 1980
- Context: From the movie “The Empire Strikes Back,” spoken by the wise, old Jedi Master himself during Luke Skywalker’s training on Dagobah.
Quote: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
- Author: Steve Jobs
- Year: 2005
- Context: Delivered during his commencement address at Stanford University.
Quote: “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”
- Author: Will Rogers
- Year: 1935
- Context: From his newspaper column, which was as much a source of humor as it was of sagely advice. Will Rogers Column
Quote: “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
- Author: Lou Holtz
- Year: 1992
- Context: In his motivational speech at the Notre Dame pep rally, offering a different perspective on handling life’s burdens.
Quote: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
- Author: Helen Keller
- Year: 1903
- Context: From her book “Optimism,” an essay collection.
Quote: “If at first, you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.”
- Author: Steven Wright
- Year: 2005
- Context: From his stand-up routine aired on Comedy Central, offering his uniquely dry humor on the concept of success.
Hope these quotes sparked some motivation or at least a smirk! Which one resonated with you today? Or perhaps you’ve got a favorite of your own? Share your thoughts or your personal go-to motivational quip in the comments. Let’s keep the positivity (and the chuckles) rolling!