Top 15 Work Motivation Quotes

Work Motivation Quotes to Get You Moving

We all have moments where we lack all motivation. Right before writing this post, I was struggling with exactly that. Everything gets more difficult when you don't have motivation.

I talk often about the ways that life purpose can increase your general levels of motivation. This is still absolutely true. But there are still moments, even if you've found the perfect job and know exactly what your purpose is, that we struggle to put in even an inch of effort. 

In these moments, I like to look at a few quotes that remind me of my purpose but also just encourage me to move forward. Here are 15 inspirational quotes that will give you the motivation for work you've been needing. On top of that, I want to give you some added information on how each quote can help you and then a reflection question to get your mind going further.
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“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” (Paulo Coelho)

One of the best ways to get motivated is to try to be better. There is a certain unspoken accountability to the world that this taps into. In research around life calling and purpose, studies have shown that when we focus our work around others, we find greater motivation. 

​What would a better you look like?

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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” (Thomas Edison)

Thinking about the opportunities you might have in front of you can bring up a whole range of motivations. the problem is that there is often a great deal of work that goes into realizing those opportunities. Putting in the hard work is difficult, but it will get you further than you can imagine.

What opportunities can you take advantage of right now?

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“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” (Henry Ford)

Your mindset is one of your most powerful tools, you can use it to build yourself up or to break yourself down. Not everything is solved by positivity, but you can gain the energy and motivation you need through having a positive outlook on your opportunities.

​What have you been telling yourself you can't do?

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“Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves.” (Dale Carnegie)

This is one of the most challenging quotes to live by on this list. The easy tasks are the most enticing because you can get the sense of achievement quicker, and there is some merit to building up your work with a snowball of momentum. If you are struggling to do the work, remember what's important and pursue the big tasks, the ones that will make the most difference.

​What challenging work are you putting off that you need to prioritize now?

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“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” (FDR)

Your motivation might be lost because you are looking for it in the wrong places. Creativity, living on purpose, and seeking to accomplish something worth doing are all powerful motivators that you may not be tapping into. Make them priorities and use them to get you motivated.

​What is something that can truly, genuinely motivate you?

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“As long as they are well-intentioned, mistakes are not a matter for shame, but for learning.” (Margaret Heffernan)

Making mistakes and suffering failure can be a serious blow to your motivation. But there is so much that you can learn from mistakes. Flip the script in your mind and look for ways to see your mistakes as just another step on the journey.

What can you apply from your most recent mistakes to your tasks today?

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“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” (Confucius)

Every project and task begins with small steps. If you want to be productive today, combine this quote with number #4 from Dale Carnegie. Tackle the big, meaningful tasks and do it by breaking it into smaller and more management chunks.

How could you break down your most challenging task today into smaller pieces?

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“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” (MLK)

One of the ways motivation and productivity are diminished is because it's easy to get frustrated by lack of information or vision. Even if you can't see the whole picture, start by taking the first steps. As you step forward toward your goals, you can see the future more clearly.

What is the first step you can take right now?

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“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” (Albert Einstein)

You can get so much more out of life and feel more natural energy when you align your priorities with your values. You first need to understand your values, then pursue them instead of that which will fade with time.

What values do you want to pursue today?

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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” (C.S. Lewis)

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis because it highlights the life-long nature of a meaningful life. You can continue to pursue meaningful and valuable goals at any stage of life. If you feel like you have missed your opportunity, change your mindset and pursue more!

What is your dream and what is one attainable goal that can get you started toward that dream?

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“Don’t be afraid of hard work. Nothing worthwhile comes easily.” (Gertrude B. Elion)

Your daily challenges are often signs that the work you are doing is worthwhile. If you are struggling to see the value in your work, try to understand your life purpose and how it can play into your work. Search out the ways your work is meaningful to others, not just yourself.

What work is worth doing today?

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“A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.” (Mildred Struven)

True beauty in the world is rarely the result of luck. Any artist can tell you that it is only through hard work, vision, and intentionality that you are able to produce something beautiful. You are able to create something beautiful and be beautiful as yourself if you are willing to step into the furnace and be strong.

What furnace do you need to step into?

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“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.” (Francis Chan)

This is a powerful quote from Francis Chan about living a meaningful life. You may be afraid of moving forward, of the failure that might come to pass. But if you are pursuing something meaningful, the pursuit is often just as valuable as the result.

What are you afraid of failing at that you need to pursue?

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“Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” (Farrah Gray)

There are a lot of people who are out there who have incredible dreams. It's the ones who chase those dreams who get to see them become a reality. Your dreams are important, but they are only illusions if you cannot get up and chase them.

How are you going to chase your dream today?

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“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” (Steve Jobs)

Knowing your purpose and pursuing it is the way to find lasting satisfaction in your work. It's not just wisdom from experienced leaders. It's been studied by researchers and it's not just about passion. Love what you do and make it meaningful work if you want a sustainable motivation.

What do you love to do and what does this tell you about your work?

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What gives you motivation to work?

I hope these motivational quotes have given you the boost you need. Read through the notes and answer the questions. Challenge yourself and actively seek out motivation that can last, not just a quick fix for your afternoon slump.

If these quotes were helpful for you, I would love for you to share this post with your coworkers and friends. Be a motivation in their life by giving them a little encouragement for their day. Now go out and find something to move you forward!