Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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 from Great Figures and Famous People (41–50)

Not being satisfied is the best technique for improving your ability.Wayne Gretzky

These are the words of Wayne Gretzky, hailed as a legend in ice hockey and the all-time leading scorer in NHL history.

They reflect his refusal to be satisfied with the status quo and his commitment to holding himself to consistently high standards.

If we focus only on what we’ve already accomplished, our growth—whether in study or otherwise—tends to stall.

By keeping our eyes one step ahead and continually seeking areas to improve, we hone our abilities.

A mindset that resists complacency isn’t about driving ourselves into a corner; it’s a force that expands our potential.

It’s an inspiring quote that teaches the importance of ambition and the will to improve.

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Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people (51–60)

If you stay focused, you can overcome any obstacle.Warren Buffett

These are the words of Warren Buffett, an American investor who has built a record of steady results through long-term investing.

His success was not the product of split-second decisions, but of a sustained commitment to focus.

In studying as well, getting distracted by too much information scatters your results.

By identifying what needs to be done and concentrating on the task at hand, you can overcome difficult obstacles little by little.

Patiently sustained focus leads to significant outcomes.

It’s a famous quote that quietly teaches the importance of the quality of effort.

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Knowledge is a weapon. The question is how you use it.Eminem

Eminem is known as someone who climbed to the status of a global artist through his own efforts despite a harsh environment.

In his way of thinking, there’s a perspective that the strength to live doesn’t come only from muscles or money, but also from the power of the mind.

Knowledge isn’t just something you memorize and forget; it helps you judge situations, protect yourself and others, and open new paths.

That’s why how you use it matters.

The same goes for studying: test scores aren’t the only goal.

When accumulated as the ability to think and make sound judgments, it multiplies your options for the future.

It’s a message filled with that kind of forward-looking realization.

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If you believe in yourself, there are no limits.Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has set numerous scoring records and won many titles on the world’s biggest stage.

Through strict self-discipline and relentless effort, he has always continued to believe in his own potential.

The moment you decide something is impossible for you, your learning and growth come to a halt.

Limits are not imposed by others; they are born from your own assumptions.

By believing in yourself and continuing to work hard, you can get closer to results beyond what you imagined.

This passionate quote highlights the importance of confidence that springs from within.

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Obstacles before you are opportunities. By facing difficulties, you can grow.Kevin Durant

Words from Kevin Durant, who has experienced numerous scoring records and championships in the NBA.

Having survived in an intensely competitive world, he understands the meaning of hardship deeply.

When faced with a wall in your studies, many people want to avoid it—but that very wall can become a chance to grow.

By tackling difficult tasks, you cultivate your thinking and perseverance.

It’s often the tough situations, more than the smooth times, that help a person grow.

This quote presents a perspective that views obstacles positively and shifts our mindset toward growth.

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There is only one way to succeed: never give up.Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, who founded a global company and transformed the nature of business, left words that convey his unwavering resolve—accepting failure and criticism without stopping.

When studying, there are times when results don’t show, and you may question the meaning of your efforts.

However, only those who choose not to give up can move on to the next stage.

As long as you don’t quit halfway, your experiences will surely accumulate into strength.

This quote teaches us the importance of valuing consistency over results and committing with resolve.

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To solve a problem, don’t run away from it.Jack Dorsey

These are the words of Jack Dorsey, who launched payment services and social networks and has driven innovation in the technology field.

Drawing on his experience confronting complex challenges, he speaks to the essence of problem-solving.

In studying, too, we sometimes want to look away from areas we’re weak in or topics we don’t understand.

But problems you avoid won’t be solved; only the ones you face become your strength.

By looking directly at the cause and continuing to think, you deepen your understanding.

It’s a practical quotation that quietly underscores the importance of the resolve not to run from difficulty.

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