Five Motivational Quotes to Inspire You to Build Good Habits
Quotes simply inspire us. When we’re feeling down or unmotivated, they can reflect what we’re feeling inside and lift us up when we need it. If we’re unenthusiastic or we’ve lost inspiration, a thoughtful quote can motivate us because we relate to it — especially when it’s expressed in a poetic way by a knowledgable role model. We use quotes to keep us going when we’re completing big projects, achieving health milestones, learning new skills, or reaching other achievements.
We’re always busier than ever and we feel less motivated to keep up with our good habits. Now is a great time to reflect upon our goals, which include building good habits and breaking bad ones. Quotes can push us forward when we’re on a journey to be successful during busy times.
The quotations below are meant to inspire you to stay motivated. I hope they give you the inspiration that you need.
Mahatma Gandhi
Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny. — Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) is one of the most inspirational leaders of our time. He was a spiritual and political leader — well known for leading India to independence and his techniques of non-violent protest.
With this inspirational quote, Gandhi communicates the power of our beliefs and how our beliefs can spring us into action. Our actions lead us to desired success. It suggests that beliefs (good or bad) can be self-fulfilling prophecies. Gandhi’s quotation can inspire us to develop empowering beliefs. For example, when a limiting belief pops into your head, replace it with an empowering belief. In your mind, replace thoughts such as “I’m not good enough to participate in the [fill in the blank] competition” with “I can win the [fill in the blank] competition with practice.” With time and energy, your goal can become a reality.
Eleanor Roosevelt
I have discovered that, important as self-discipline is to a child, it is increasingly important as one grows older. Then it is really essential for your well-being to regulate your life and habits in a sensible way. — Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She was an author, politician, civil rights activist, and humanitarian. She’s well known for her work with the United Nations and overseeing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1960, Roosevelt published “You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life,” which is a guide to living a full life based on her unique experiences.
Eleanor Roosevelt was extremely well-accomplished, and she is one of the most beloved figures of the twentieth century. It’s difficult not to admire Roosevelt’s practical advice about regulating your life and habits in order to maintain well being. Reminding ourselves to form healthy habits to maintain our energy level is essential to being and staying productive — especially as we mature.
Aristotle
Quality is not an act, it is a habit. — Aristotle
Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher, scientist, and teacher — born in 384 B.C. He was a pupil of Plato and a teacher of Alexander the Great. He’s considered one of the most significant philosophers in Western philosophy.
Aristotle’s quote indicates that consistently performing at a quality level makes it a repeatable feat, rather than just a one-time action. Consider the definition of a habit. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.” For example, if you take Aristotle’s advice, you will only see the rewards of good habits if you perform the act consistently. Visualize this thought — average is not good enough, I can have consistent, quality results if I repeat quality actions over and over.
Stephen Covey
Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character. — Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey (1932–2012) was an inspirational business person, author, and public speaker. He’s well known for authoring the book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which outlines a framework for personal success and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
A post about habits would not be complete without mentioning Stephen Covey. Covey makes a great point in his quote — we absolutely don’t want our bad habits to define us. For example, do you want to be known as the person who’s always late, disorganized, or flaky? How do you want others to perceive you? Do you want to be known as a healthy person? Perhaps you want to be known as a reliable person? Build good habits that become patterns and they will eventually express your character in a positive way. Essentially, if you want to improve your life, you must modify your habits in a positive way. As Covey points out, our character is a made up of an assembly of our habits.
George Lois
Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything. — George Lois
George Lois is considered one of the most creative art directors of our time. He’s known for molding both American and international culture through campaigns such as, “I want my MTV.” He’s well known for the famous covers he designed for Esquire magazine. His book, “The Art of Advertising” (Abrams, 1976) is sometimes referred to as “the bible of mass communications.” Lois is often compared to “Don Draper” from the TV series, Mad Men.
This is one of my personal favorite quotes. It inspires me to think of a creative solution when business as usual just won’t make an impact. It forces me to break out of old habits and patterns and discover new paths. I hope it inspires you to solve problems by looking at them with a fresh perspective.
Please Share Your Thoughts
Keep in mind as you develop new good habits, it’s important to log your progress to motivate you to keep going. Habits don’t form overnight; remind yourself to repeat good habits and they will eventually become part of your daily or weekly routines. I hope this post inspires and motivates you to push through and to build good habits.
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Cheers!
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Thank you for these wonderful quotes. I am a Realtor in NYC, which means that I do not receive a weekly paycheck as do most people. I have to rely on commissions, which are generated only after I close a deal. So I rely greatly on good habits to keep my business going and keep my large family well taken care of. If you know anything about New York, know that it is expensive to live here. Now imagine the dilemma that I, George L. Rosario face when providing for my wife, 5 under-aged children, disabled parents and still be able to help my 2 older sons who now have children of their own. It isn’t easy, but it is doable as long as my habits are directed towards success. I stay focused by reading quotes like the ones you included in this post. I meditate on them. I look for ways of making my habits more conducive towards success.
Hi George, thanks for your comments. It sounds like you’ve found a great system for being successful in spite of many challenges that you face. You might also check out our latest post at http://lightarrow.com/10-amazing-quotes-and-lessons-learned-from-successful-entrepreneurs. I believe you will enjoy it. Best wishes on your success!
“We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.” — John Dryden