Some days hit harder than others. You feel like you’re doing everything right, but life still knocks you off your feet.
I know what that feels like. And if you’re reading this right now, maybe you do too.
We all face tough times. It’s just part of being human. Whether you’re fighting off an old habit, healing from a loss, or simply trying to stay afloat when everything feels heavy—resilience is what keeps us going.
In those moments when motivation fades and doubt creeps in, a few powerful words can snap us back into focus. That’s why I want to share some of my favorite resilience quotes, along with real-life lessons I’ve learned from falling—and getting back up.
What Is Resilience, Really?
Resilience isn’t just about pretending everything’s fine or pushing pain aside. It’s the ability to face hard things and keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
It doesn’t mean you never feel down. It means you choose to get up—again and again.
At one point in my life, I was over 110 pounds heavier. I felt stuck in cycles of late-night gaming, binge eating, drinking way too much caffeine, and constantly putting things off. I knew I needed to change, but the mountain felt too big.
The truth is, I didn’t change overnight. I started with one tiny step. Then another. And eventually, I built a balanced life filled with healthier routines, daily gratitude, and a strong relationship with God.
Resilience made that possible.
Quotes That Help in Hard Times
Let’s get into some quotes that have helped me and many others through difficult seasons. These aren’t just cute sayings. They’re reminders to keep going, hold on, and trust the process.
Here are a few of my favorites—plus some thoughts on how they apply to real life.
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” — Japanese Proverb
This one’s simple, but it gets me every time. Failure doesn’t mean the end. It just means you’re human.
I had so many setbacks while losing weight. I’d eat clean all week, then binge on a weekend and feel like I had ruined everything. But I learned to stop beating myself up and just keep going. Progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about getting back up one more time than you fall.
Action Tip: Don’t wait for next Monday. Just get back up—today, even with a small win.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
This verse is my anchor. During the lowest points of my journey, especially when I felt too weak or ashamed to keep trying, I leaned on my faith. Not on my own strength.
I used to think real change came from discipline or motivation. But I’ve learned that deep, lasting strength comes from surrendering my plans to God, and trusting Him through the process.
It’s not about being perfect for Him—just being willing.
Small Practice: Start your morning with this verse. Say it out loud. Let it remind you that you’re not alone in this fight.
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” — Robert H. Schuller
This quote feels like a punch of hope. I’ve had seasons where everything felt like it was falling apart—exhaustion, doubt, bad habits creeping back in. But holding onto this reminded me that storms pass.
You don’t have to be perfect to be tough. You just need to stick around long enough to see the sun come up again.
Helpful Shift: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What is this teaching me that I’ll need later?”
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher
Some days you’re not going to feel strong. That’s okay. Maybe courage today is brushing your teeth or getting outside for five minutes. Maybe it’s just not quitting.
There were days I felt like a failure. I’d stay up too late, eat junk food, skip workouts. But I kept coming back. I kept trying again.
Real courage is quiet, humble, and patient.
Small Step: Write down one thing you did right today. No matter how small. Celebrate that.
How to Turn Quotes into Action
Inspiring words are great—but only if they move you to do something. Here’s how to take these quotes beyond the screen and into your daily life.
- Write them where you can see them.
- Stick them on your bathroom mirror or fridge.
- Use them as your phone lock screen.
- Keep a journal where you write your daily favorite.
- Reflect on what they mean to you.
- Ask yourself: Why does this quote hit me today?
- Connect it to your current challenge or season.
- Take a tiny action based on the quote.
- Got off track? Try again tomorrow.
- Feeling weak? Ask God for strength.
- Falling behind? Just stand back up.
These actions seem small, but together they build momentum.
You’re Not Alone in This
Whatever you’re walking through right now, I want to remind you—you’ve already survived your hardest days. That’s not luck. That’s resilience.
I’ve failed more times than I can count. I’ve slipped, started over, doubted myself, and then started over again. What saved me was not giving up. And honestly, leaning into God more when I had no strength left.
My life didn’t change because I had endless motivation. It changed because I started taking responsibility, trusting God with the process, and showing up—even when I didn’t feel like it.
I didn’t lose 110 pounds in a month. It came from small habits, celebrating tiny wins, and living one good day at a time.
Your Turn
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with this: pick one quote from above that speaks to you. Write it down. Reflect on it. Take one small action today to move forward.
And remember, resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build—one hard day, one try, one prayer at a time.
You’ve got this.
Which quote speaks to you most right now?
Let that be your anchor today.
