When you’re feeling unmotivated! Inspiring words from great figures and famous people
Have you ever found that when you want to start something—or when there’s something you have to do—you just can’t get your energy or motivation up? It’s not that you don’t want to do it, but you just can’t get yourself moving… and sometimes time just slips away and you start to panic, right? So this time, I’ve put together a list of motivational quotes from great figures and famous people for you to remember in those moments.
They’re all words that will remind you of how you felt when you decided to do your best, so I’m sure they’ll be helpful!
When you can’t get motivated! Inspiring words from great figures and famous people (1–10)
The goddess of fate favors those who act boldly.Niccolò Machiavelli
These words, which emphasize the importance of taking constant action, come from Niccolò Machiavelli, the Italian political thinker known for The Prince.
“Bold and proactive” describes the stance of moving on to the next step without stopping even after achieving one goal, and Machiavelli said that when you take action, fate turns in your favor.
Many people fear failure, feel unable to move from where they are, or have reasons that keep them from acting; but in such moments, let these words spur you on—and try taking action, even if it’s something small to start with.
Great achievements are not made by a momentary impulse, but are accomplished through the accumulation of small things.Vincent van Gogh
When visible results are small, it can feel like your efforts aren’t paying off, and we all tend to seek big achievements that could be called great feats.
These are words left by Vincent van Gogh that present a way of thinking about what is needed to accomplish such feats.
He says that the only path to results considered great is to keep putting in effort and steadily accumulating small outcomes; great feats are never achieved by a momentary impulse.
Rather than charging straight at a grand goal, his words encourage us to start small and build up step by step.
It’s in the moments you decide that your destiny is shaped.Anthony Robbins
These are the words of Anthony Robbins, a world-renowned personal development coach who has influenced countless lives.
They show that the turning points that move our lives aren’t determined by environment or talent, but by the decisions we make in each moment.
Even in studying, the future begins to change from the instant you decide to tackle just a little today.
Even if you feel doubt or anxiety, the choice to take action will surely build confidence.
Decisions come with responsibility, but it is precisely that weight that fosters growth.
It’s a powerful quote that underscores the importance of learning proactively.
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.
No one ever regrets having done their best.George Halas
These are the words of George Halas, who led teams in American football for many years and built countless victories.
They reflect the belief that, no matter the outcome, experiences pursued with full effort do not turn into regret.
In studying as well, the time you can say you truly gave your all remains as confidence.
It’s precisely when you cut corners that regret arises later.
Facing things with full commitment is more valuable than the result itself.
The fact that you worked hard supports you and becomes strength for your next challenge.
It’s a positive quote that encourages the courage to take action.
I kept telling myself that everything I was studying was for my goal.Miles Davis
These are the words of Miles Davis, a man who left his mark on jazz history and kept pushing the boundaries of what music could be.
He embraced not only technical skill, but also everyday experiences and even failures as part of learning.
The same is true for studying: times when things don’t go smoothly, or efforts that feel like detours, are never wasted.
As long as you stay mindful of your goal, every experience accumulates into strength.
In the toughest periods, there is often the most to absorb.
It’s a quote that affirms the process of effort and supports forward movement in life.
Don’t rush. But don’t give up.Shigeta Saitō
These are the words of Shigeta Saito, a psychiatrist who has supported many people’s hearts and conveyed ways of living through numerous writings.
When we keep making an effort, there are moments when we want to rush the results, but impatience narrows our perspective.
On the other hand, if we stand still and take no action, no progress can be made.
In studying, what matters is maintaining composure while not stopping your steps.
Even small steps, if continued, will surely move you forward.
It’s a famous saying that teaches us the value of trusting your own pace and persevering with tenacity.