Proverbs that give you a push on the back and help you persevere. Proverbs that resonate when you feel like giving up.
When you try to take on something new or feel like your spirit is about to break, what words give you strength?In fact, among the proverbs handed down through the ages, there are many powerful ones that gently nudge you forward.Words packed with the wisdom of our predecessors resonate in our hearts across time.In this article, we introduce motivating proverbs that stand by you when you want the courage to take a step forward or to rouse yourself when you feel discouraged.You’re sure to find words that will support you.
Proverbs that give you a push on the back and help you persevere. Proverbs that resonate when you feel like giving up (1–10)
Good flowers come later.NEW!
This is a Japanese proverb meaning that truly valuable things and remarkable achievements don’t yield immediate results; they appear after time and sustained effort.
It comes from the observation in nature that flowers which bloom later often produce larger, more impressive blossoms than those that bloom early in spring.
Used as a lesson on the importance of effort and patience, it’s invoked when discussing work and personal growth, and—like the related phrase “great talents mature late”—it also praises success attained through perseverance.
It reminds us that steady, unhurried effort matters.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.NEW!
Among proverbs, this one is especially famous and often heard in everyday conversation.
Literally meaning “fall seven times, get up eight,” it conveys the idea of getting back up without giving up no matter how many times you stumble, emphasizing the importance of rising again and continuing to make an effort.
It is also used as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life.
While it expresses specific numbers in an easy-to-understand way, they imply numerous failures, and the saying teaches the importance of facing challenges undaunted even after many setbacks.
Failure is the mother of success.NEW!
It’s a proverb meaning that by reflecting on the causes of failure and correcting one’s methods and shortcomings, one can ultimately achieve success.
There’s a theory that it was introduced to Japan in the Meiji era as a translation of the English proverb “Failure teaches success.” It has been presented in expressions such as “Those who make no failures gain no wealth” and “Failure is a good teacher for success.” Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, is known as someone who embodied “Failure is the stepping stone to success.” He left the words, “Success is the one percent supported by ninety-nine percent failure.”
Mind over matter (literally: Strong will can even penetrate rocks)NEW!
When you hear the word “rock,” do you imagine something hard or large? Nenkiryoku (mind power) refers to the mental strength gained by single-minded focus, and because that strength can even pierce a hard, massive rock, this proverb means that no matter how difficult the situation, you can surely overcome it by throwing yourself into it with all your might.
Since it uses the image of a “rock,” it conveys the mental fortitude to overcome obstacles as hard and large as a boulder.
It’s a recommended proverb to remember when you take on any challenge.
When one door closes, another opens.NEW!
It carries an encouraging message that there’s no need to brood or get discouraged, because while some people will write you off and refuse to deal with you, others will kindly lend a hand.
It’s a fascinating proverb that contains two words with completely opposite meanings—“to discard” and “to pick up.” Here, “kami” (god) refers to people.
The world is full of all kinds of people, each with their own ways of thinking and values.
It’s only natural that some will suit you and others won’t.
Even when you face misfortune or criticism, don’t be pessimistic—stay true to yourself.
Three years on a cold stoneNEW!
No matter how cold a stone is, if you keep sitting on it for three years, it will grow warm.
From this comes a proverb meaning that, no matter how painful or difficult the situation, persistent, patient effort will be rewarded.
Because it uses the phrase “three years,” it evokes the idea of a long period of time.
To achieve goals and dreams, it’s important to endure patiently over a long span.
It also makes a great personal motto, so keep it close to your heart.
Persistence is power.NEW!
Here, keizoku (continuation) means keeping up your efforts, and chikara nari (becomes strength) means it leads to success.
Because the phrase nari is a decisive expression, it conveys a strong sense that no matter how small the effort, piling it up will one day lead to great success and results.
When you have goals or dreams and are trying to achieve something, you may sometimes worry: Is this really okay? When will I reach it? But the accumulation of small daily efforts is the path to success.
When you need a push, why not remember this proverb?