17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

UPDATED: September 22, 2023
PUBLISHED: November 3, 2016

Successful people don’t become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance—happiness, wealth, a great career, purpose—is the result of hard work and hustle over time.

Related: 5 Characteristics of Highly Successful People 

To be successful, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with a busy schedule, next to impossible. But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do, the higher you’ll want to reach. So as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Use your ambition, drive and desire—along with these 17 motivational quotes—to make it happen.

1. Believe in yourself.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Your limitation—it’s only your imagination.

2. Work hard.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you.

3. Don’t wait.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Sometimes later becomes never. Do it now.

4. Step outside your comfort zone.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Great things never come from comfort zones.

5. Be a dreamer and a doer.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Dream it. Wish it. Do it.

6. Take action.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Success doesn’t just find you. You have to go out and get it.

7. Don’t give up.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be SuccessfulThe harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.

8. Set big goals.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Dream bigger. Do bigger.

9. Follow through.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.

10. Show up every day.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.

11. Make things happen for yourself.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

12. Celebrate the small things.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Little things make big days.

13. Take one step at a time.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

It’s going to be hard, but hard does not mean impossible.

14. Open doors for yourself.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.

15. Push through and understand yourself.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.

16. Stick to the plan.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.

17. Say yes to your dreams.

17 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Be Successful

Dream it. Believe it. Build it.

Feeling inspired by these quotes to achieve your own success? Harness that inspiration to make a change in your life today with the Win the Day Accelerator! It’s a comprehensive, 8-part personal development program designed to help you achieve extraordinary results, both in your career and personal life. Learn more and sign up today!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated.
Photo by mimagephotography/Shutterstock

Lydia Sweatt is a freelance writer, bookworm, and bass guitar enthusiast. When she goes outside, a bicycle goes with her.