40 Positive Quotes for Work To Jumpstart Your Week
I’m a crafty person. Not too long ago, I made a DIY dry erase board with an inexpensive frame and a piece of decorative scrapbook paper for my desk. At first, I used the dry erase board to note when I was out of the office. Gradually, I began to draw and write fun messages on it, like “Good Morning” and “Happy Holidays!”
After the New Year, I asked myself, "What should I use the dry erase board for now?" Sure, I could draw cute flowers for the spring season or continue to convey thoughts and goals in a whimsical way. I could use it to recognize my team’s hard work and the company’s accomplishments. I could doodle on it to destress or to allow my mind to wander here and there in search of creativity.
Then, at a moment when I found myself seeking motivation and courage to get through the work day, it hit me—inspirational quotes! Ever since, I’ve made it a habit to write positive quotes for work each week.
Inspirational quotes are great because they’re as real as the people who spoke and continue to speak them. Motivational quotes help us find strength from within, overcome fear, find success, and learn life lessons.
Here’s a roundup of positive quotes about work and life from notable women you should read when you’re in search of something, but you’re having trouble finding it, whatever “it” may be.
When You’re in Search of Motivation
1. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”—Amelia Earhart
2. “I’d rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven’t."—Lucille Ball
3. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!'”— Audrey Hepburn
4. “Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward."—Hillary Rodham Clinton
5. “Finding opportunity is a matter of believing it’s there.”—Barbara Corcoran
When You’re in Search of Inspiration
6. “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”—Oprah Winfrey
7. “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”—Madeleine Albright
8. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”— Coco Chanel
9. “When I’m hungry, I eat. When I’m thirsty, I drink. When I feel like saying something, I say it.”—Madonna Ciccone
10. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”—Harriet Tubman
When You’re Feeling Down About Hard Work
11. “If you truly pour your heart into what you believe in, even if it makes you vulnerable, amazing things can and will happen.”—Emma Watson
12. “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”—Margaret Thatcher
13. “Buckle up, and know that it’s going to be a tremendous amount of work, but embrace it.”—Tory Burch
14. “Work hard, no matter how much recognition you get.”—Sophia Amoruso
15. “Pressure is a privilege - it only comes to those who earn it.”—Billie Jean King
When You’re Craving Success
16. “I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches—I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works.”—Meghan Markle
17. “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."—Julia Child
18. “I became a lawyer for selfish reasons. I thought I could do a lawyer’s job better than any other.”—Ruth Bader Ginsburg
19. “Believe in something larger than yourself…get involved in the big ideas of your time.”—Barbara Bush
20. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow.”—Marissa Mayer
When You’re Setting Goals
21. “If you learn something new every day, you can teach something new every day.”—Martha Stewart
22. “All you need is the courage to believe in yourself and put one foot in front of the other.”—Kathrine Switzer
23. “I felt like it was time to set up my future, so I set a goal. My goal was independence.”—Beyonce
24. “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”—Mary Kay Ash
25. “We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back, but by our personal passion, talents and interests.”—Sheryl Sandberg
When You Want to Be Happy
26. “Look for happiness under your own roof.”—Gretchen Rubin
27. “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”—Helen Keller
28. “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”—Marilyn Monroe
29. “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.”—Yoko Ono
30. “It’s never too late - never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.”—Jane Fonda
When You’re Reflecting on Life
31. “Life isn’t just about taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide.”—Malala Yousafzai
32. “I tell you, in this world, being a little crazy helps to keep you sane.”—Zsa Zsa Gabor
33. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”—Eleanor Roosevelt
34. “Only do what your heart tells you.”—Princess Diana
35. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”—Maya Angelou
When Positivity is Everything
36. “Find people who will make you better.”—Michelle Obama
37. “You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.”—Melissa Etheridge
38. “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of being a second rate version of someone else.”—Judy Garland
39. “I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.”—Susan B. Anthony
40. “Life is like one big Mardi Gras. But instead of showing boobs, show people your brain, and if they like what they see, you’ll have more beads than you know what to do with.”—Ellen Degeneres
Now that you’re feeling inspired, consider using motivational quotes or inspirational memes to create a positive work atmosphere at your office. Share these quotes with your team by use of a DIY dry erase board or a Monday morning meeting.
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Kristen Farrell is a professional communicator who previously worked in human resources. She shares career lessons and everyday experiences on her blog: kristen-farrell.com. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her running, crafting, or spending time with her husband, Jonathan and cat, Trotsky.
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