“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Arthur Ashe
ActionStarting
Motivational Quotes
200 FAMOUS QUOTES · MOTIVATIONAL
Motivational Quotes
Read 200 of the best motivational quotes from Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Zig Ziglar, Muhammad Ali, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and more to inspire you to keep going.
“It always seems impossible until it's done.”Nelson Mandela
PossibilityPerseverance
“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”
Amelia Earhart
ActionShort Quotes
“Believe you can and you're halfway there.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Self BeliefConfidence
“It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
Babe Ruth
Never Give UpPerseverance
“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily.”Zig Ziglar
MotivationDaily Habits
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”Zig Ziglar
GoalsGrowth
“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”Jim Rohn
DisciplineTime
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
Jim Ryun
HabitsMotivation
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
Les Brown
DreamsAmbition
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
Tony Robbins
GoalsVision
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.”
Henry Ford
MindsetSelf Belief
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
Thomas Edison
Never Give UpSuccess
“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
Thomas Edison
Hard WorkGenius
“I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”Michael Jordan
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.”
Wayne Gretzky
CourageOpportunity
“It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.”Vince Lombardi
ResilienceRising Again
“Don't count the days, make the days count.”
Muhammad Ali
TimePurpose
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
Muhammad Ali
DisciplineChampion
“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.”
Steve Jobs
AuthenticityTime
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Steve Jobs
PassionWork
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”Eleanor Roosevelt
“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing, great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.”Winston Churchill
Never Give UpDetermination
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein
Moving ForwardBalance
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”
Albert Einstein
ValuesSuccess
Related Topics
About Motivational Quotes
Everyone needs a push sometimes. Whether you're chasing a big goal, studying for an exam, starting a business or simply trying to get through a tough week, the right words at the right moment can give you the energy to keep going.
This collection brings together 200 of the best motivational quotes from athletes, leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers, including Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Zig Ziglar, Eleanor Roosevelt, Swami Vivekananda and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Save your favourites, share them with friends, or keep one on your desk as a daily reminder. For more, explore our [Inspirational Quotes](/topics/inspirational-quotes) and [Positive Quotes](/topics/positive-quotes).
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Motivational quotes.
What is the most motivational quote of all time?
Nelson Mandela's "It always seems impossible until it's done" and Arthur Ashe's "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" are two of the most loved, because they make big goals feel achievable.
What is a good motivational quote for students?
Try A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's "You have to dream before your dreams can come true," or Swami Vivekananda's "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."
What did Michael Jordan say about failure?
Michael Jordan said he missed more than 9,000 shots and lost almost 300 games in his career, and that failing over and over again "is why I succeed."
What is a good motivational quote for work?
Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Sheryl Sandberg's "Done is better than perfect" is another favourite for busy days.
What is a short motivational quote?
Try "Stay hungry, stay foolish," "Make each day your masterpiece," "Fall seven times, stand up eight" or "Done is better than perfect."
Did Aristotle say "Excellence is not an act, but a habit"?
Not exactly. The line was written by historian Will Durant in 1926 to summarise Aristotle's ideas. That's why we credit it to Will Durant.