Professional Development Watercooler

50 Motivational Thoughts That Will Push You to Succeed

motivational-thoughts
Written by Peter Jones

Need a kick in the pants? A fire under your proverbial bottom? Feeling in need of a little inspiration?

Here are 50 motivational thoughts you can turn to when you need a little energizing positivity! Keep these in your back pocket and turn to them when a ray of sunshine is nowhere to be found.

1. You can do anything.

It’s a rather simple mindset, but if you convince yourself that you can do anything, you’ll start to believe it.

2. …And here’s why.

After you start to believe that you can, justify those reasons. Example: “I can become a cook because I love food and I cooking is my passion”.

3. You deserve more.

Whether it’s a better job, relationship, or healthier body, you deserve a better life. You’ll probably have to work for it, but 9 times out of 10 it’s true.

4. It’s never too late.

It’s always possible to get a fresh start. No matter how old you are, you can start something new and succeed. Want to start a blog? Go for it. Want to learn how to code? Go for it. Developed a recent passion for photography? Buy a decent camera and let your hobby consume you.

5. Challenges are a constant.

Nobody said it was easy. Don’t let one setback get the better of you. Keep your head up and don’t lose sight of what you want.

6. The time may never be “right.”

Don’t wait too long for the perfect moment and let the other moments pass you by. Sometimes the perfect will never arrive and you just have to make due with what you’re given.

7. The plan may never be perfect either.

Sometimes you just have to say “go” and figure out the kinks as you go.

8. You have to start somewhere.

It might as well be today–right here, right now.

9. Baby steps. One at a time.

Break it down into smaller steps. Don’t get overwhelmed with doing everything at once.

10. You have nowhere to go but up.

Thinking about only soaring higher helps in the darkest moments! Since you’re starting out from the bottom, there’s no where to go but up!

11. Failure isn’t forever.

Look at your failure as one step towards success—just in the other direction. At least you know which way to turn!

12. You can learn from your mistakes.

Each mistake you make is an opportunity to learn, grow and become better.

13. Take it one day at a time.

Many forms of mediation preach placing your mind, body, and spirit in the present moment. Today is the only thing you can control—not the future, not the past.

14. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing.

And everyone would have done it already.

15. Seize the day.

“Someday” may never arrive. Why not today?

16. Negative thoughts are only thoughts.

Don’t let them hold you back.

17. I’ve beat worse odds before.

And did you make it to the other side? Of course. So what’s the big difference this time around? Exactly, nothing. You can do it again!

18. You gotta earn it.

If you didn’t, would you really feel good about your success?

19. If you have to regret something, regret action.

It’s better than inaction. At least you’ll have tried.

20. Don’t ask permission.

Just go for it. If people think you’re nuts, that’s their problem.

21. You control your life.

Your destiny is yours to determine, no one else’s.

22. No one is grading you.

Life isn’t a letter grade. It isn’t even pass or fail.

23. Boring is boring.

Playing it safe can sometimes set you back. Take a risk.

24. Risk can be rewarding.

Knowing the risks is one thing, but you should also think about the benefits. Taking risks can be very rewarding.

25. Discipline feels good.

A whole lot better than regret!

26. The best ideas usually seem impossible at first.

Steve Jobs anyone? Why should yours be different? Dream big!

27. People have your back.

Friends, family, colleagues. This is why we have networks.

28. Experience is invaluable.

Even if you fall short of your goals, you’ll walk away with more experience.

29. Work is its own reward.

Again, attempts are at very least proactive.

30. Make every day matter.

Every day is one step closer towards achieving your goal.

31. Your perspective is the only one you have.

Prioritize it. Forget about what other people think. They don’t have the same vision as you because they’re wearing a completely different pair of shoes.

32. Every problem has a solution.

You just need to figure it out.

33. Ordinary equals ordinary

Ordinary actions will lead you down a path to mediocrity. Don’t let that be your future.

34. Everything could be better.

You always have the opportunity to improve yourself, your situation, your project…

35. What you don’t know, you can learn.

Education is out there. The age of the internet is upon us. You can spend 6 hours on Youtube learning HTML and come out knowing more than you did.

36. Practice makes perfect.

If you need to master something, just get to work on it.

37. Willpower is up to you.

And in your head. You just have to want it.

38. You know what you want.

Start visualizing it actually happening. Then make it happen.

39. Feelings come from thoughts.

Even the scary ones can be neutralized by taking control of your thoughts and rethinking your thought process.

40. Don’t do nothing.

Trying and failing is much better than not trying.

41. You are who you decide to be.

If you don’t like it, decide different!

42. You can’t win unless you try.

Results are a product of effort. If you try, you have a chance to win. It’s not guaranteed, but if you don’t put in effort, your chances of winning are 0%.

43. Your life is determined by your choices.

Make good ones.

44. You’re better today than yesterday.

You’re older, wiser, more experienced, and more mature!

45. Greatness doesn’t happen overnight.

Have patience.

46. Just start; the rest will get easier.

That first step is always the hardest. Once you get ball rolling, you’ll find motivation and start seeing results.

47. You will be rewarded.

Even if only by yourself, for reaching your smallest goals. Treats are on their way! Progress is being made!

48. You’re not just in it for you.

Don’t forget your external motivation—your friends, family, broader altruistic goals… that can be powerful.

49. You’ll always have more chances.

If you screw up or fail, trying again is almost always an option.

50. If all else fails, you’ll have a story.

You’ll walk away with experience and interesting party jokes and anecdotes!

Hopefully these thoughts have helped motivate you on your path to success. The power of positive thinking is a powerful tool. The rest is up to you!

About the author

Peter Jones