How do you get motivated to start working on your goals?
No matter what goal you want to achieve, to even begin, you’ll need to dig deep and find your motivation.
That spark, that fire in your belly that moves you to take action. That gets you beyond daydreaming and planning endlessly.
What will it be for you? Where will you find your motivation?
For me, my motivation to start achieving my dreams and goals started with two simple (yet, life-changing) questions: Are you happy? And do you feel successful?
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I wondered, why wasn’t I happy and why after multiple degrees and a “real job” did I still not feel successful? These two questions are really what got me into this (this being now a full-time blogger). My answer to both was no, and my follow up questions to myself was, “why? And, now what?”
They’re pretty uncomfortable questions to ask yourself. And to get the truthful answer, you’ll have to lower all your walls, skip the prerecorded answers you’re used to giving everyone who asks you “what do you do?” and “how are you doing?”
Warning sign, if that question makes you cringe during small talk, something is up.
What’s scarier than actually answering those first two questions, is what your answers mean for you and your way forward. Do you ignore the truth and feel the fear? Stick your head back down into your life and continue on? Or do you do the brave thing, and wake up and find the motivated to live a life you love.
The motivation to maybe quit your 9 to 5, start a business, build a successful blog, or perhaps work from home. To just get started on whatever your dream is.
To help you get started on building your own dream life, here are 19 quotes to motivate you to start achieving your goals. Plus, find some additional inspiration and encouragement to stop waiting and take action today!
Finding Your Motivation to Start
So, what changed? I was unhappy for a while.
I think about it now and I wonder if I was just impatient. Maybe I just couldn’t wait any longer? But, nope that’s not really it either.
I wanted more, I wanted to feel alive every single day, I wanted to follow my dreams and build a life on my interests and talents. All I knew was I wanted to work hard, but for myself. I discover if I could do it and if I could actually ‘make it.’
My unhappiness turned to anger, but I didn’t stay angry, I didn’t stay stuck, I got going!
I can only imagine how much sooner I would have started my own business had I worked in a toxic workplace.
So, what’s your motivation to start? You need to find it, connect with it and let it get you motivated!
Give Your Life Meaning Quotes
Does your life need meaning and purpose? Want to wake up energized and excited to take on life? You need to set goals and get motivated about achieving them. It’s really that simple. Without ambition, without something to strive for you won’t find your motivation. The following quotes that motivate you to start illustrate the importance of motivation in our lives. Don’t just live, live a life worth living!
1. “Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.” – Les Brown
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 41 Motivational Goal Setting Quotes
“There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or to accept the responsibility for changing them.” – Dennis Waitely
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 150 Inspirational Quotes About Achieving Dreams
3. “What’s the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable.” – John Green
4. “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan
Get Started Right Now Quotes
What are you waiting for? Why haven’t you gotten started on your goals? Start feeling your need and your desire to get started right now. Think about why it matters so much that you take action on your goals. Stop waiting for someone or something to change your life – only you can do that. This collection of quotes that motivate impress upon us the urgency and immediacy of getting motivated.
👉🏽RELATED POST: Inspirational Dreams Come True Quotes
5. “There are 7 days in a week and “Someday” isn’t one of them” – Unknown
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
7. “It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.” – J. R. R. Tolkien
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Take Action When You Can't Get Started
8. “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”– Plato
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” – George Patton
9. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
👉🏽RELATED POST: 39 Amazing Quotes to Boost Your Confidence Right Now
Motivational Quotes about Just Taking Action
Why’s it so hard to take action? Stop overthinking and planning every tiny detail. The only real way to get motivated to start is to get moving! Find a tiny step you can take and take it. This collection of quotes that motivate you to start illustrates how action is the key to motivation. You have to physically move yourself to build up your motivation.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 45 Uplifting Quotes for When You Feel Like Giving Up
11. “Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart
13. “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Quotes that Motivate You to Work For It
Does achieving your goals and dreams seem hard? Is it too difficult for you to accomplish? Listen, the only thing standing between you and success is your negative mindset. Yes, it’s hard work and there will be challenges as well as obstacles to success on the way. But, you can achieve your goals! This collection of quotes that motivate you to start encouraging you to get up, and get working on making your dreams a reality.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Quotes About Working Hard to Achieve Success
14. “Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison
16. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 45 Uplifting Quotes for When You Feel Like Giving Up
17. “Good things come to people who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them.” – Unknown
“Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” – John F. Kennedy
19. “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” – Chris Grosser
Shareable Motivational Quotes
How insanely powerful are all these quotes that motivate you to start? It’s impossible to not do some serious reflecting and feel that fire well up in you to get you going. They are so perfect for sharing on social media.
I’ve created 10 beautiful designed shareworthy, quotes that motivate to use on social media.
This download comes with high-resolution quotes formatted just right for Instagram (square) AND Facebook/Twitter (landscape).
Attribution is not required, but of course, appreciated (@nadaliebardo). If you love these images, all I ask is that you share this post.
Share the motivation!
What’s Your Motivation to Get Started?
Is it hard for you to motivate yourself to get started on your goals? Do you have big dreams and maybe even plans, but you just cannot find the motivation you need to begin.
You say you want to get motivated, but all you’re doing is staying in bed, laying on the sofa watching Netflix or scrolling on Instagram is so much easier, isn’t it?
When you’re fighting fatigue, have low energy, feeling lazy AF, and just cannot take action, it sucks. Can you relate?
Or maybe, even worse still is that you feel unhappy and unsuccessful in your career or life, but you’re afraid to get started.
So, what about you?
Are you happy? And do you feel successful?
I dished, now you dish. You don’t have to tell me, but tell yourself.
I was finally able to face my answers towards the tail end of my stint in the 9-5. Being honest with myself with what I needed to get moving, and make better, dare I say truer, choices for myself. I challenge you to do the same!
Working a 9-5 is a choice, staying in a lifestyle or life that isn’t suited for you personally, is a choice.
Escaping that life, being brave and having faith enough in you to just get started, is also a choice. And it’s one only you can make.
It’s time to find your motivation to not only get going but keep going.
Are you struggling to get started on your dreams? What about achieving your goals? Click here for 19 quotes that motivate you to start today! #Motivation #Goals #AchieveYourGoals #Quotes
What’s your favorite quote that motivates you to start?
Last Updated on May 19, 2023
Nellwyn says
These are great motivational quotes and exactly what I need right now as I start to hit a mid-afternoon wall! Number 15 in particular made me smile.
Nadalie says
Hey Nellwyn,
So very glad that you found this post at the right time.
Yeah, nothing like that 3pm slump.
You got this,
Nadalie
Amy says
Love these, especially the Tolkien and Kennedy quotes! Can’t wait to share them around social!
Nadalie says
Hey Amy,
RIGHT! Those are two of my favourites on this list.
Shane Prather says
These are so aspiratonal! Thank you for the Monday Motivation to kickstart the week.
Nadalie says
You are so welcome, Shane!
Stephanie says
These quotes, along with your story, have been very motivational. I’ve been in my own slump lately, and as I’m also nearing 30 I feel like I can identify with where you’re coming from.
I’ve been in my own slump lately, and have really needed some additional motivation…your post has definitely given me a boost.
I’ll definitely be referring to these quotes often, and will share with my social media followers!
Thanks for sharing this!
Nadalie says
Hey Stephanie,
Trust me, you’ll feel even better once you hit 30. It’s totally a pain to go through this self-reflection, but if you listen to your heart and your gut you’ll be better for it.
Be brave, you got this!
– Nadalie
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries says
Sometimes all it takes is just one small step to start moving in the right direction!
Nadalie says
Hey Corey,
That’s exactly right! One small step is all you need to worry about.
Elena says
I am usually very motivated person, especially when it comes to work, but my motivation sometimes turns to obsession so I need to learn to slow down sometimes 🙂
Nadalie says
Hey Elena,
Yeah for sure, too much motivation can not be so great for us. I feel like my posts are balanced, my last one was on getting better sleep, hehe.
Krissy says
My motivation comes from the determination of my people….dwelling is a dangerous spot to b in – like the post say im going…great article ☺
Nadalie says
Hey Krissy,
I love that! My people were pretty determined too.
Action is so much more exciting than dwelling, that’s for sure.
Elizabeth says
I love quotes! Really enjoyed this post 🙂
Nadalie says
Yay, I’m glad! <3
Nida says
I need these motivational quotes. It made my day, some of them way to good .. thanks for sharing with us
Nadalie says
Hi Nida,
Yay, I’m glad they were just what you needed!
Shalonda says
This is such a motivational and inspiring post. I will be writing some on a posted and sticking them to my mirror so I can see them everyday to remind myself. Thank you for sharing!
Nadalie says
Hey Shalonda,
Woot, I love that idea. I used to use those markers for glass to write on my bathroom mirror.
Sushmita Thakare Jain says
That’s an amazing list with some good pictures 😀
Glad you shared the motivation ahead 🙂
Nadalie says
Hey Sushmita,
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.
Natasha says
These are great…I am so big on inspiration and motivational quotes. I love #6!
Nadalie says
#6 is the bomb! Arthur Ashe too. Soooo good.
Jesse says
These are a great selection of quotes. It definitely got me off my lazy butt! thanks 🙂
Nadalie says
Hey Jesse,
YES! Get up and get going! =)
james says
I live by #7 and #19. Very good article. Will be able to add some of these to my phone
Nadalie says
Great choices, James!
All about creating your own opportunities!
Go forth and conquer!
sonali jain says
I really need this inspiration right now in my life, Thank you so much. 🙂
Nadalie says
You are so welcome, Sonali! <3
Clint Mamuri says
I love the third quote from the link, the one from John Green. It’s like related to oblivion. I am afraid of dying without leaving anything remarkable on earth. I’m not looking for something big, but at least something my family or friends would be reminded of me. Thanks for sharing this. <3
Nadalie says
Hey Clint,
SUCH A GOOD ONE! The first time I read this one, I was seriously like WOOH.
Seriously though, I sometimes think if I die who will even notice? Like beyond my family. You see famous people get recognized on social and I’m like no one knows who I am. I’m not even that girl who did something random yet.
We got this! *Cheers* to doing randomly great in life!
Dawn says
Love that you included one from Francis Chan. 🙂
Nadalie says
That one’s pure gold!
Alexis @FITnancials says
“The best way to predict the future is to create it”. I’ve heard of that quote, but I love it so much!
Nadalie says
Does it just make you wanna get up and go create something fantastic? LOVE IT!
Pam Avoledo says
I like #19. Too many people live their lives waiting. And it’s pointless. Sooner or later, you have to step up.
Nadalie says
Hey Pam,
I hear that – no more waiting! Let’s get it.
Michelle C says
#9 is definitely my favorite…I LOVE Zig Ziegler. I attended a leadership conference years ago, and was able to hear him speak. He was amazing!
Nadalie says
Hey Michelle,
Right – Zig is always dropping such amazing wisdom.
That’s incredible that you were able to hear him speak. #jealous
Erica @Black Bloggers Network says
I LOVE these quotes! My favorite – There are 7 days in a week and someday isn’t one of them. So motivating!
Nadalie says
Hey Erica,
Yes yes! Someday is TODAY!
Ankita Arya says
Loved all the quotes.. in some or the other way they have made connection to my life and the path I’ve chosen to get rid of 9-5 job!!
I love the finesses in between.
Great post, Nadalie!
Nadalie says
Hey Ankita,
yay! So glad you love them! Right, they’re so great for helping you reflect on your life.
Thanks for the blog love,
Nadalie
Jaime Buckley says
THIS, you darling girl, was BRILLIANT!
Love good quotes.
One of my favorites, from one of my closest friends, Dax, is:
“You can get further in life with a kind word and a bat, then a kind word alone.”
Another favorite is from a writer you know:
“Yesterday I gave a brilliant speech to 1 million gnomes, made a $1.23 Billion dollar business deal, took over a major TV Network and made the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse a Law Firm.
…and that was before lunch.”
But your’s are motivating….so how about:
“There are times in our lives when we labor so hard, for so long, that it may feel that we have nothing to show for it. That we have failed. We get discouraged because we don’t achieve what we yearned for or anticipated.
But a lack of desired results doesn’t mean we failed…it means we have locked our sights on the end result, instead of focusing on the process itself.
No one can guarantee your success.
What you can do, however, is consistently act—progressing towards your goals, so that your chances of success grows exponentially with each step you take.”
―The Truth About Lies
You just keep being awesome and strutting yer stuff, Nadalie….and I’ll keep being impressed.
Jaime Buckley
Your BIGGEST Fan!
Nadalie says
Hey there dearest,
HAHAHA, and a bat. That’s awesome. I like that, I think it’s my social media approach, I say something kind, then swat it or hit it in your face a million times on every single platform.
OMG, seriously that quote is life. It’s so true. “No one can guarantee your success.
What you can do, however, is consistently act” – and you’ll never know unless you do act.
I always feel like a broken record because I keep saying this in my emails to my VIPS, the only two things that matter (in your pursuit of your dream life) is what you can do now (the progress) + where you want to be (your end goal). You should enjoy right now, it’s a shame if you don’t ya know?
Thanks friend, I really do appreciate your support and encouragement.
Later boo,
Nadalie
Stephanie Edmonds says
Great list! Thank you!
Nadalie says
You are so welcome, Stephanie!
kait says
The quotes about beginning NOW and not waiting are something I need to post all over my freakin house. It is the worst thing. I don’t even consider it procrastinating, yet being fearful. But, there is no reason to be afraid when you want to do something new. You just need to take turtle steps. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap, like many say.
Nadalie says
Hahaha, LOVE it Kait!
Do it! Grab some post-its and just go crazy!
Nope, small tiny steps together beat crazy leaps and falls any day.
You got this,
Nadalie
Nicola says
This is such a lovely idea for a blogpost and I’m inspired now to put together my list Thank you for sharing
Nadalie says
Yay, great idea Nicola!
One cannot get enough motivation that’s for sure.
Arfa Nazeer | Epife Blog says
Hi, Nadalie!
Absolutely loved the quotes. I’m totally impressed by the collection you’ve for motivation quotes. I mean, one cannot get enough motivation and always show hunger for more.
This is going to help.
Arfa 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Arfa!!
Thanks so much! To confess I probably read 10x this many before deciding on these 19.
Can’t get enough of motivational quotes either,
Nadalie
Belle says
I’m so here for this! Love them all.
Nadalie Bardo says
Yeah Belle! Gotta love the motivational quotes!
Daniela Miovska says
I like these quotes, they definitely made my day. My favorite: Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
Nadalie Bardo says
RIGHT! That one’s pure DYNAMITE!
Franziska says
Such a beautiful post. Girl I can feel your energy and motivation right here in front of my laptop. And yes, with that energy, I am sure you will make it! keep it up! xx
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks so much!
Hahah, I love that and I’m so happy that it comes across in my blog posts.
Thanks for visiting!
Ell says
Love these quotes ! Inspirational ! Thank you for sharing (:
Nadalie Bardo says
You are so welcome Ell!
Heather says
These are great! Need to put them in a slideshow that I can go through, like every darn morning 🙂 Well done!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hahah, that’s a great idea Heather!
I need these quotes in front of me every morning to keep me going.
Wake up and slay!
Ana De- Jesus says
It feels like you have just described my life. Before I was pretty unhappy with my job and how much time it took from running my own business. I made a change and cut down my hours and now I am hoping that by the end of the year I can blog full time! x
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Ana,
GIRL! That’s fantastic! You will LOVE it. It’s really difficult being in two worlds and roles at the same time.
I really hope you can make the leap this year.
Kate @ Layered Indulgence says
Love these quotes! Quotes can be so motivational and help you get through slumps, so thank you for this list 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Kate,
So true, they are a powerful tool to have on hand for when things aren’t going great and you just need a push.
Kasia says
Love these motivational quotes. I don’t really have a go to quote but I definitely believe in going for what you want in life. That’s what I ended up doing as well quitting the 9-5 office work. Change is hard but without change there is no progress.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Kasia,
Yay for quitting your job and going after what you want! I am sooo impressed!
Change is hella hard for sure, even when it’s needed.
Happy motivation,
Nadalie
Elise Cohen Ho says
I am all about creating my opportunities. Living the dream 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
You gotta! Love how you’re all about living your dream life Elise.
BIG fan of your blog too!
Christina says
I love these quotes!
Nadalie Bardo says
Me too! =)
Sam Reader says
Love these quotes! Funnily enough, turns out 19 is just enough to get you pumped. My fave is number 3 – we’re all on the planet to do something great: let’s kill it!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Sam,
Haha, 19’s a good number, especially when they are hand picked quotes. I couldn’t agree with you more. Let’s rock this life and show our amazing.
jhilmil says
Loved every single quote this morning..specially, Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, is so optimistic to lead life with a motivation & spark in self!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hi Jhilmil,
They really are a fantastic way to start the day! I am so going to start tomorrow by reading these quotes or any motivation quotes for that matter.
Dena-Jayne says
I love quotes, theres something about them that make me happy! Love quote six! xo
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Dena,
Aren’t they just fantastic? Confession – I sometimes read them when I need a pick me up.
Deepa says
A very inspirational post. I loved all the quotes. Sometimes we all need a little motivation to keep going. Thanks for sharing.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hello Deepa,
A little motivation goes a long way for sure!
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com says
So many wonderful quotes to keep start your day. I especially love the quote by John Green.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Tashenna,
OMG right? I read that one and I was literally floored like I saw my life flash before my eyes and I was like, “I am going to be extraordinary!”
Needa says
sometime all you need is this to motivate yourself. The best one for me “Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner”
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Needa,
I am a firm believer that we need to be our #1 motivator. If we rely on others, we’re always going to be running to them for a “top-up.” BUT, I do admit quotes are a great way to self-motivate.
Chandresh says
Inspiration and motivation are th foundations which help s in the darkest of hours . Good to read some of them and noted on stick me post too
Nadalie Bardo says
That’s deep and so true! Those dark hours, a spark of inspiration or motivation and light up our lives.
Shauna Coleman - Walker | shaunacoleman says
I can so relate to this! I did everything talked about it, dreamed about it, planned it, texted it as you said, even ate it, did everything except take action. Then I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere and I made the decision to actually get off my butt and do something! That is when I started seeing results. Can’t believe it took me so long.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Shauna,
Haha, love that – “and even ate it”. It’s too easy to do everything but take action in our lives. I know I’m always planning and thinking about things I should probably just jump and do. I find with myself now it’s not that I don’t want to take action, I just have too much I’m already taking action on and need to put things down so I can do more.
So happy you’re seeing results!
Joanna says
These are all great motivational quotes! I’m currently in that stage in life where I’m figuring out that I am not destined to sit at a desk for 9 hours. So, this really helped!
Motivation Ping says
Thank you so much for this amazing inspirational post for us ! I love this quote so much: There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as the exist or to accept the responsibility for changing them.
Nadalie Bardo says
You are so welcome! That’s one of my favourite quotes of all time. So powerful!
Shan says
when life beats us down, it is easy to be lost and demoralized. Articles like yours indeed help us to come back on track. Thank you for this great article.