Some days, just getting out of bed feels like an act of courage. I know, because I’ve been there more times than I can count.
Whether you’re trying to break bad habits, lose weight, build a better routine, or get past one of life’s rough patches, perseverance is what gets you through. It’s not fancy. It’s not glamorous. It’s usually quiet and messy. But it’s powerful.
And sometimes, all it takes is one quote at the right time to keep you going.
So today, I’m sharing 30 of my favorite perseverance quotes to help you stay motivated. These aren’t just words—they’re reminders that you are capable of more than you think, even when everything feels too hard.
Let’s dive in.
Most Days, Progress Looks Boring
Perseverance doesn’t usually mean big wins or perfect days. It means showing up even when you don’t feel like it.
When I was trying to quit gaming and binge eating, there were days I didn’t “feel motivated” at all. But I learned something important: feelings don’t have to dictate your choices.
Here are some quotes that remind me to show up even when nothing feels exciting.
- “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
- “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
- “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
- “Perseverance is not a long race. It is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
- “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” – Ovid
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about choosing not to quit.
When the Temptation to Give Up Hits
In my own journey—losing over 110 pounds, quitting drinking, working through laziness—the hardest moments weren’t the ones when I failed. The hardest moments were the ones where I wanted to give up… quietly.
No fireworks. Just a slow slide back into old habits.
These quotes help me fight that pull and stay grounded.
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
- “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
- “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” – Jim Watkins
- “It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
- “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher
If you’re in that spot right now—tempted to tap out—just take one small step forward. That’s enough for today.
When You’re Stuck in a Rut
Sometimes you’re not moving backward, but you’re also not moving forward—and it just feels… stuck.
For me, that rut was the loop of lazy routines. I’d say I’d get things done, and then the hours would disappear into YouTube, social media, or snacking. What helped me was adding structure—2 to 4 hours of focused effort every morning, followed by celebration and daily gratitude.
These reminders helped me push through those “stagnant” feelings.
- “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” – Vince Lombardi
- “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats
- “Little by little, one travels far.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
- “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” – William Feather
A rut isn’t a dead end. It’s a waiting room. And with one action, you can walk yourself out of it.
For the Faith-Fueled Journey
When I started grounding my life more deeply in my Christian Orthodox faith, everything began to change. Not instantly. But with purpose. With direction. Through daily prayer, reflection, and choosing to lean into God’s love and grace, I found strength I didn’t have on my own.
If your soul needs perseverance, not just your schedule, these quotes speak to something deeper.
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
- “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
- “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” – Psalm 28:7
- “The righteous man falls seven times and rises again.” – Proverbs 24:16
When you feel empty or lost, remember you don’t have to keep going under your own power. You’re not alone.
When Motivation Feels Like a Ghost
Let’s be real: Motivation doesn’t show up every morning with a pep talk and a cup of coffee.
Most days, you build momentum through action, not inspiration.
In the early days of building Good Existence, I didn’t always feel “ready” to go. But I committed to showing up for 2 or 3 hours of deep, focused work. I stopped waiting for the perfect mood and leaned into the routine.
These words always give me a push when I need one.
- “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” – John C. Maxwell
- “Don’t watch the clock. Do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
- “Success is getting up one more time than you fall.” – Unknown
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “Hard times build determination and inner strength.” – Dalai Lama
You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to start.
One Quote Can Shift Everything
Sometimes, you only need one of these quotes to shift your mindset and remind you: this is hard, but worth it. You’re not failing—you’re fighting. And if you keep showing up, something beautiful will come from it.
A healthy life, deeper faith, purpose, confidence, freedom. Whatever you’re chasing, perseverance is how you get there.
So here’s a question for you: Which quote above spoke to you the most?
Write it down. Stick it on your mirror or wallpaper it on your lock screen. Let it remind you—every single day—that you’re stronger than your fears. And even on the hardest days, you are not alone.
Keep going. You got this.
