We all need the motivation to reach our goals. Most of the time, that comes from within us, from a very deep desire to succeed at whatever we’ve set our minds to and the vision we have dreamed for our lives.
But on tough days, there’s nothing wrong with looking externally for an extra boost to keep on going. Inspirational quotes are a great way to do just that.
In this article, we’ve compiled what we believe to be the 10 best quotes of all time for working toward goals. Read through them and write the ones that speak to you in your goal setting journal to refer back to when you need them the most.
Why It’s Important to Set Goals in the First Place
If you’re in a season of indecision or if you’re feeling a little lost, we hope that these quotes will give you the motivation to set even small, short-term goals. In fact, a good goal for you right now might be to explore your interests and find something bigger to work toward.
“If you’re bored with life—you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things—you don’t have goals.” –Lou Holtz. In other words, goals give us a reason to keep on living. No matter how small (or how big), give yourself a reason to exist.
“If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.” – Lawrence J. Peter. That somewhere else might be somewhere you never intended or wanted. Set goals to give your days and your life real direction, and avoid wondering, “How did I end up here?”
“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” –Bill Copeland. Setting goals gives meaning to some of the biggest achievements of your life because you can look back and see the long journey to get there.
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit every time.” –Zig Ziglar. Just like Bill Copeland’s words above, this quote reminds us again that setting goals gives our lives direction and our accomplishments meaning.
It’s Okay If Your Goals Change or Shift
Changing your goals sometimes means changing the trajectory of your life, and that can be very scary and intimidating. But that’s okay! These quotes give us comfort during those times of change, and we hope they help you feel less alone if you’re in a season like this.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” –Les Brown. Setting big goals is terrifying, but also rewarding. The bigger the goal, the higher you’ll aim and the further you’ll climb.
“A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.” –Bruce Lee. There is no such thing as failure if you worked hard, learned, and are happy with where your journey took you. Part of the work of being a human is continually reassessing where you are in life and where you want to go next.
“The great danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” –Michelangelo. Imagine what you might accomplish if you believed deeply in yourself. Think about your biggest achievement; if you had set a higher goal, where might you have ended up?
Stick with it on the Hard Days
These are the days when we feel dragged through the mud and want to give up. Use these quotes for energy and motivation.
“Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit.” –Bear Bryant. Even though your priorities (and therefore your goals) may shift throughout your life, you know the things that are most important to you at your very core. Never abandon them.
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” –Henry Ford. There might be a lot of people along your path who don’t believe in you. Your mind will also distract you by pointing out the things that stand in your way. As Mr. Ford reminds us, keep your eyes on the prize.
On the Importance of Always Setting Goals
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” –C.S. Lewis. The work of a lifetime isn’t done until that life is over. Keep going.
The Very Best Quote of All
Of course, the greatest quotes are the ones that are the most inspiring to you. Write down everything that inspires you in your goal setting journal, including motivational quotes. It will be something you’ll carry with you throughout your entire life.
