Can you explain what a motto is—the kind you might be asked about in a job interview? A motto refers to words you keep in mind on a daily basis, using them as a guide for your actions and thinking.
When you’re struggling with relationships or on the verge of giving up, having a conviction engraved in your heart makes it easier to find your own solution.
So this time, we’ll introduce short but cool quotes that make great personal mottos.
The words of great figures, athletes, and other notable people who have overcome many hardships in life are sure to shine a light on your own journey.
- You might even find your motto—short phrases that leave a lasting impression.
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Could this be a life compass? Short but cool quotes I’d like to make my motto (1–10)
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
George Eliot, a prominent Victorian author known for works rich in psychological insight and realism.
Her famous quote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” carries a message that reminds us of ideals we were about to give up on.
As we grow older, we tend to let go of our dreams and ideals.
However, she teaches us that if we truly desire it and put in the effort, we can become the person we wanted to be at any time.
This is a recommended quote for those who need the courage to take the first step.
Once you’ve chosen a path, never give up.Katharine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn, an American actor also known for winning four Oscars.
Her famous quote, “Once you choose a path, never give up,” conveys the way of life of someone who achieved great things.
Whether the choice was entirely your own or not, the message of pressing forward on the path you’ve chosen expresses a resolve that can serve as a guide for living in any era.
It’s an energizing quote that also makes a great personal motto.
I want to turn both the reality of the good and the reality of the bad into nourishment for what comes next.Naoko Takahashi
Former track and field athlete Naoko Takahashi, known as the gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the first woman in Japanese sports to receive the People’s Honor Award.
Her famous quote, “I want to turn both the reality of good things and the reality of bad things into nourishment for what comes next,” is quintessential Takahashi, whose radiant smile stood out even through the rigors of competitive life.
If we can turn everything that happens to us into power, we should be able to keep growing.
It’s a positive saying that encourages viewing both the good and the bad in a constructive light.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.Charles Dederich
Charles Dederich, founder of Synanon, an organization established in the United States to help people with drug addiction.
The famous quote, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” is a message that looks to the future rather than the past.
The idea that every day is full of opportunities to be reborn carries particular weight precisely because it comes from Dederich, who dedicated himself to supporting people struggling with addiction.
Thanks to its positivity, it’s a great quote to adopt as a personal motto.
The goddess of fate favors those who act boldly.Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian political thinker known for advocating a realist political theory that politics should be considered separately from religion and morality.
His famous saying, “Fortune favors the bold,” can give us courage to face challenges.
Those who do nothing will never encounter opportunities, but taking action brings change and progress—doesn’t it? It’s a message I hope people who lack confidence in their initiative will adopt as a personal motto.
The heart never strays from the Way.Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi, an early Edo-period swordsman also known for leaving behind the martial arts treatise The Book of Five Rings.
The famous saying “Keep your mind always on the Way” expresses the conviction of Musashi, who devoted his life to the way of the sword.
If you have a great dream, goal, or belief of your own, you should understand the importance of an unwavering heart that does not stray from your path no matter what happens—something anyone aiming for an endless ideal can appreciate.
It’s a message to recall when you’re tempted to take the easy way out, and one I hope you’ll engrave in your heart as a personal motto.
Even if you’re knocked down 99 times, all you need is to stand up the 100th time.Vincent van Gogh
As a painter representing the Post-Impressionists, the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh is still beloved around the world for his works today.
The quote, “Even if you’re knocked down 99 times, it’s enough to stand up the 100th,” evokes the dramatic life he led.
The message—that you haven’t lost unless you think you have, and that if you can smile in the end, you’ve won—can be a salvation for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a maxim that, if adopted as a personal motto, will surely strengthen the heart.
To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.Confucius
Confucius, a philosopher from China’s Spring and Autumn period and known as the founder of Confucianism.
His famous saying, “To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage,” means that failing to do what one ought to do as a human being stems from a deficiency of courage.
Even in everyday life, helping those in need is something we naturally should do as people, yet don’t we sometimes pretend not to notice out of embarrassment or similar feelings? This saying reminds us of the reality that there are people who could be saved if only we mustered the courage.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Shogi player Makoto Nakahara, who holds five Lifetime Titles and also served as president of the Japan Shogi Association.
His famous saying, “There is no piece that cannot move forward,” truly reflects the unique perspective of a professional shogi player.
The eight types of pieces used in shogi each have different characteristics, but whether a piece is weak or strong, they all share the ability to move forward.
The message that anyone can make progress regardless of their abilities or circumstances can be a great source of courage for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a quote to remember before you give up on something.
If you have no failures in life, you fail at life.Shigeta Saitō
Known by the nickname “Mota-san,” psychiatrist Shigeta Saito was also active as an essayist and public speaker.
His famous saying, “If you have no failures in life, you will fail in life,” is a message that warns us about the pitfalls of perfectionism.
No one wants to fail, and we tend to think that piling up only successes will make us happy.
However, if we keep pushing forward without ever experiencing failure, our hearts may break when we face difficulties we’ve never encountered before.
This quote reminds us that those who accumulate all kinds of experiences—knowing both success and failure—are the ones who ultimately succeed.