Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people
To achieve our goals, to live better lives, and to become our ideal selves…
we are tested on our “effort” in many situations.
However, there are times when we grow tired of constantly striving, or when we can no longer find meaning in our efforts.
In this article, we’ve gathered quotes about “effort” from great figures and famous people.
Reading these quotes reminds us that the achievements of those we call geniuses were possible precisely because of their effort.
Take in these powerful messages and put them to use from here on out!
Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people (1–10)
“Even if you can’t do it, it can’t be helped” is something to think after it’s over; if you think that along the way, you’ll never achieve it.Ichiro
Ichiro, who has set countless great records in both Japanese and American professional baseball through relentless effort.
When you work hard toward something on your own, the thought often crosses your mind—can I really do this?—and you may even think about quitting.
But these are valuable words that teach us it’s important not to resign ourselves to “it can’t be helped if I fail,” but to face things with the determination that “I will do this no matter what.”
Hard, painful efforts don’t bear fruit, but when the person is actually enjoying themselves—even if others just say, “You’re working hard”—those efforts do bear fruit.Miyazon
Miyazon is a comedian who has appeared on numerous shows, including Itte Q! to the End of the World.
In addition to his outstanding musical talent—such as being able to compose songs quickly and play a piece right after hearing it once—he also takes on various challenges thanks to his high physical abilities.
One of his famous quotes is, “Hard, painful effort doesn’t bear fruit.
But when people say you’re making an effort and you yourself are enjoying it, that’s when it bears fruit.” It’s true that things we do with enjoyment tend to yield results and stick in our minds more than things we do while suffering.
Precisely because Miyazon has gone through many hardships and become a beloved figure, these words reflect the way he has learned to approach effort and how to engage with it.
Effort is always rewarded. If there is effort that isn’t rewarded, then it cannot yet be called effort.Sadaharu Oh
The words of Sadaharu Oh, a man of relentless effort, carry absolute weight.
Even if you think you’ve worked hard, if it doesn’t lead to results, it means the effort wasn’t enough.
Whether in work or any field, achieving something requires dedication beyond what you can imagine.
People who see their efforts as “effort” are generally mistaken.Sanma Akashiya
Known as the “Comedy Monster,” Sanma Akashiya has been making audiences laugh for many years on countless shows.
While his playful persona stands out, he has also left us with profound quotes, such as, “People who think of effort as effort are generally mistaken.” Sanma believes that those who say things like “I worked this hard and yet…” and expect something in return are bound to fail.
He may be suggesting that it’s important not to view effort as a burden, but to see it positively—as a fun way to improve yourself.
We all tend to lament when our efforts don’t pay off, but try remembering these words at times like that.
If you can’t even make the effort to study, you’ll fail at everything.Kazlaser
Kazlaser of the comedy duo Maple Chogokin, who is also very active on quiz shows, is known for his intellectual side.
One of his famous quotes is: “If you can’t even make the effort to study, you’ll fail at everything.” For those who struggle with studying, this might be a bit of a painful truth.
There may be things you can do without pushing yourself to study, but when you put effort into studying, your knowledge and learning grow, and so do the things you can do.
If you take your primary role as a student—studying—seriously, the chances increase that you’ll be able to overcome the obstacles you face when you enter society, using what you’ve learned up to that point.
It’s a message from Kazlaser that, to live your life well, you should make the efforts you’re supposed to make.
Do not neglect your daily preparation so you won’t miss opportunities.Yuto Nagatomo
Yuto Nagatomo, a professional soccer player who also shines as a member of the Japan national team, drew attention with his exclamation, “Bravo!” But he has also shared a deeper message: “Never neglect daily effort so you don’t miss your chance.” You never know where opportunities lie.
That’s precisely why it’s important to keep putting in the work every day, so that whenever an opportunity comes around, you can immediately raise your hand and say, “All right!” Nagatomo himself is someone who has put in a great deal of effort, which is likely why he holds these beliefs.
An athlete who touts their practice by saying “I’m working hard” cannot be called first-rate.Shigeo Nagashima
These are the words of Shigeo Nagashima, who was a legendary home run hitter during his playing days and later excelled as a manager.
In any field, top-tier people put in the effort.
He teaches us that effort isn’t a selling point—it’s a given.
