Some days the motivation we need to accomplish our goals flows effortlessly: Meet that deadline. Climb that mountain. Chase that dream. Other days, making the smallest move toward an objective can feel impossible.
It’s easy to get stuck in a demoralizing cycle of self-doubt, avoidance, or fear. Instead of moving forward, we hit the snooze button, scroll a little longer, and put things off until tomorrow.
As it turns out, there’s even some science to back up why we do this. According to one study, in the early stages of pursuing our goals, we’re propelled by an initial boost of inspiration, resulting in a surge of motivation. But as we continue making progress, our focus often shifts to the mounting responsibilities and fear of negative outcomes.
It's often this fear that halts our progress, but motivation can reemerge once we make the choice to continue down our ambitious paths in spite of our trepidation. Perhaps the choice to read this collection of enduring quotes will act as that needed next step, the breeze in your sails to push you toward the treasure you seek.
It doesn't matter when you start, it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing. All that matters is that you truly follow your own path, your own way, at your own pace. Be kind to yourself and others, and follow your intuition always. That is real bravery.Diana Schneider
Maybe you have a little voice inside that says you aren’t strong enough to handle what life’s left at your feet. That voice lies. Prove it wrong today — then repeat, repeat, repeat. Keep moving.Maggie Smith
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.Frederick Douglass
Sometimes the future changes quickly and completely, and we’re left with only the choice of what to do next. We can choose to be afraid of it. Just stand there trembling, not moving, assuming the worst that can happen. Or we step forward into the unknown, and assume it will be brilliant.Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) in “Grey’s Anatomy”
Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.Gillian Anderson
All success in life starts within you. You know what to do. You know how to do it. Your next step is simple. You are the first domino.Gary W. Keller
I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.Rosa Parks
Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all, other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you.Jeffrey Gitomer
Many strokes, though with a little axe, / Hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak.William Shakespeare
Motivation is a battle for the heart, not just an appeal to the mind. Passion is always an expression of the soul.Patrick Dixon
Sometimes we just have to leap and then grow our wings in midair. And if we indeed collapse onto the ground before us, a fall is still forward motion.Robin Roberts
When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that's just the place and time that the tide'll turn.Harriet Beecher Stowe
When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) in “Finding Nemo”
Featured image credit: Vera Anderson/ WireImage via Getty Images
