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14 Quotes to Inspire Action

Positive self-talk is healthy, motivating and can improve overall well-being. 

But, let’s be real, it’s not always easy find the right words to pump yourself up and rev your engine. 

Whether it’s a tough day and you are stuck in a rut or perhaps you need an extra push to capitalize on your momentum, the simple act of taking a minute to read a quote can help you reset and inspire action.

Here are 14 powerful, action-packed inspirational quotes to get, or keep, you going.

Keep these handy at your desk, in the notes app on your phone or bookmarked to your favorites. 

  1. “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” – Peter Marshall
  2. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
  3. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” – Thomas Edison
  4. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
  5. “Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou
  6. “Failure is the tuition you pay for success.” – Walter Brunell
  7. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
  8. “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” – John F. Kennedy
  9. “You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.” – Irish Proverb
  10. “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan
  11. “Take action! An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of intention.” – Steve Maraboli
  12. “We must all suffer one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.” – Jim Rohn
  13. “Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill, ‘Think and Grow Rich’
  14. “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting the rest of our lives.” – Lemony Snicket, ‘The Ersatz Elevator’

Quotes are quick, simple reminders that deliver big and inspirational impact.

They can serve to cure momentary procrastination and motivate forward progress.  Better yet, quotes are free and easy to find!  Keep a list of your favorite inspirational quotes handy for when you are feeling stuck or need that extra push.