Encouraging quotes for when you're feeling down. Words that give you the strength to rise again.
I messed up at work, I got a bad grade on a test, I had a fight with a friend…
When we’re living our lives, there are bound to be times when we feel down.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous quotes we hope you’ll read when you’re feeling low.
We’ve gathered words that offer meaning to failure, encourage you by saying there’s no need to be discouraged, and remind you to cherish yourself—messages that can lift you up from many different angles.
When you want some gentle words of encouragement, be sure to check these out!
- Words I want to make my motto that always inspire me
- Short but moving words to remember when your heart is tired
- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
- Quotes from great figures that give us the power to live
- A collection of quotes that cheer on your challenges—words that give you strength.
- Ghibli quotes that resonate with the heart! A collection of inspiring lines that give you strength when you’re feeling down
- Blow away your anxiety and doubts! Short phrases that lift your spirits and set you on a positive path.
- Healed in a single word… Words that blow away negative feelings and bring a smile.
- You can push a little further! Inspiring quotes from great figures to boost your study motivation
- Words from famous people that I’d like to adopt as my motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words.
- Tears overflow and won’t stop. A collection of moving quotes that gently reach the heart.
- Cheers to hardworking kids! A collection of recommended quotes to gift to children
- Powerful yet gentle, words that save the heart... Encouraging words that lift you up in tough times.
Inspiring quotes to lift you up when you’re feeling down: words that give you the strength to rise (21–30)
You only realize your own strength once you’ve overcome your anxieties and concerns.Serena Williams
These are the words of Serena Williams, who has etched her name in the history of women’s tennis.
The road to the top is never smooth; it is a continuous struggle with anxiety and doubt.
When studying, everyone has moments when they lose confidence in their abilities and feel like stopping.
It is precisely at such times that the experience of facing your anxieties rather than fleeing from them becomes essential.
Only after overcoming difficulties can you recognize strengths beyond what you imagined.
It’s a quote that accepts the emotional turbulence that comes with challenge and gives you the courage to move forward.
No matter how deeply your heart is filled with sorrow, if you keep believing, the dream you wish for will come true.Cinderella 'Cinderella'
Even in ordinary life, there are times when we face hardships or feel sad.
Students struggling with exams or people dealing with unexpected problems at work may relate.
Without a ray of hope, some might feel like shutting down.
At times like these, Cinderella’s words—showing how she stayed positive and overcame even the toughest days—can help you find a hopeful mindset, too.
Perhaps it’s precisely because these words come from the adorable Cinderella that they linger in our hearts.
Quotes that lift you up when you’re feeling down: words that give you the strength to rise (31–40)
You fool, why are you so down? If it’s no good, then it’s no good—so be it.Sachiyo Nomura
Sachiyo Nomura, who was active in a wide range of fields, appeared on many television programs and also published books.
Her straightforward way of speaking, free of falsehoods, captivated many people and at times gave them courage.
One of her famous quotes is: “Don’t be silly—why are you so down? If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, and that’s fine.” These words teach us the importance of trying anything without fear of failure and of accepting what is right in front of us.
They are words that gently nudge you forward when you’re struggling.
The greater the soul, the deeper the anguish.Ango Sakaguchi
Ango Sakaguchi was one of Japan’s leading writers who lived through the prewar and postwar eras.
In his representative work, the essay “On Decadence,” he writes in provocative terms about Japanese culture and Western civilization.
One of Sakaguchi’s famous sayings is that the greater the soul, the deeper its anguish.
This means that by understanding the essential depths of human nature, finding one’s own challenges, and striving to resolve them, a person gains greater depth as a human being.
To be troubled is not a bad thing; it is a profoundly human thing.
Beyond the worries you face now, there may be something that leads to great growth.
You don’t have to make yourself small for the sake of others.Beyoncé
Beyoncé, an American singer-songwriter who debuted as a member of Destiny’s Child and has also been active as a dancer, music producer, and actor.
Her famous quote, “You don’t have to shrink yourself for others,” serves as a reminder to value yourself.
In Japan especially, where service and endurance are often considered virtues, people tend to sacrifice themselves.
But this message teaches us that it’s your life, and you shouldn’t hold yourself back too much for others.
So what if you failed? Learn from the failure and try again.Walt Disney
Walt Disney created numerous characters, including Mickey Mouse, and had a profound impact on the world of entertainment.
Among the many sayings left by this great entertainer, this one focuses on trying again after failure.
Everyone feels discouraged when faced with failure, but instead of giving up, it tells us that it’s important to learn from the experience and try again.
It’s a message that inspires the courage to stand up, reminding us that repeated attempts lead to success.
There’s no need to look back. There are countless paths ahead of you.Lu Xun
Lu Xun, a Chinese novelist also known as the “father of modern Chinese literature.” His work “My Old Home” appears in Japanese textbooks, so some of you may recognize his name.
Many people find encouragement in this famous quote he left behind.
At times, we can’t move forward because we’re trapped by past failures.
But that’s exactly when you should remember these words: As long as you keep moving, the road will open.
Even if you fail, don’t be overly discouraged—try to keep moving toward the future.
