I don’t know about you, but when I hear the phrase “inspirational quotes” the first things that come to mind are those cheesy motivational quote posters that have hung on the walls of every grade school ever.

You know what I’m talking about? Those posters that say things like “create your own path” or “success is the road less travelled” ? The quotes are usually superimposed over a background of sunsets or kittens or forests. And one of the words on the poster is typically amplified in size for dramatic effect.

I remember seeing a lot of those kinds of posters when I was in grade school. And I remember thinking that the quotes were ridiculous and that there was really no point to them.

But interestingly enough, I’ve come to enjoy motivational quotes. In fact, I have a Pinterest board full of them.

It’s funny how things like that change, isn’t it?

Now when I think about the younger version of myself rolling her eyes at those motivational posters, I want to shake my head and say, “you just wait.”

Anyway, I’ve been drawing a lot of my inspiration from motivational quotes lately. And today I thought that I would share a few of the words that have resonated with me.

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

I think this one is a great reminder for those days when you’re feeling sort of defeated. When you’re trying to achieve something, you’re bound to experience your share of rough patches. And it can be difficult to work through those rough patches when it feels like life is all work and no reward.

It’s important to keep in mind that getting to where you want to go will require you to do things that are tiresome and exhausting. However, in doing them, you’re doing the future version of yourself a big favor. Our successes are made up of the consistent work we do. And when you eventually reach your goal, you’ll want to be able to look back on these particular moments and thank yourself for putting in the effort.

“If you’re tired, learn to rest but not quit.”

I believe this is a really important statement for a lot of reasons. We live in a culture that gives us the impression that if you aren’t working 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you aren’t working hard enough. And that you basically need to push yourself to the point off mental and physical exhaustion if you ever want to accomplish something.

This quote kind of goes against that logic and says that it’s important to take breaks when you feel like you need them (which is something that I wholeheartedly agree with). But it also says that a break should be a temporary pause, not a total shutdown. Rest when you need to. But when you’re ready, don’t forget to get back up and keep going.

“Great things never came from comfort zones.”

Comfort zones are good. They mean that you feel safe, content, and secure. But comfort zones are only meant for certain times and places. And when you’re striving after a goal, it isn’t the time to be worried about comfortable. Know your limits, but don’t be afraid to test them. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.”

Like the first quote, this is another great one for days when you feel like you’re on a path leading to nowhere. It’s important to remember that the more energy you put into something, the better you’ll feel when it comes to fruition. Anything worth achieving will require you to work hard. And the harder you work, the more accomplished you’ll feel when you achieve it.

I hope these quotes have had a positive effect on you as they did on me. Have a lovely week and thank you for reading.

What’s one of your favorite inspirational quotes? 

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