Want to stay motivated on the days you don't want to get out of bed? Here's how I do it.
A while ago I had been feeling uninspired, and kind of just stuck. I had taken a huge step by starting out freelancing again, but wasn't seeing much success from it yet. I felt like I wasn't good enough of a writer to succeed on my own, and started to question my choice of being a freelancer in the first place. And so I fell into a bit of a self-doubting, depression-filled rut. That was until I read a quote that made me rethink how I had been living my life, and gave me a new perspective on things.
So, here are some of my favorite non-cliche motivational quotes that keep me inspired, even on the days I don't want to get out of bed. I hope they make you want to keep going too.
P.S. Number 5 is my favorite, I actually have it framed in my bedroom so I can see it everyday when I wake up!
1.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.
This is one reason why meaningful change does not require radical change. Small habits can make a meaningful difference by providing evidence of a new identity. And if a change is meaningful, it is actually big. That's the paradox of making small improvements.”
- James Clear, Atomic Habits
2.
"All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.”
- Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic
3.
"Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice – now.
Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren’t a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you’ll be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better.
From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now."
- Epictetus, The Art of Living
4.
“Let us, therefore set out whole-heartedly, leaving aside our many distractions and exert ourselves in this single purpose, before we realize too late the swift and unstoppable flight of time and are left behind. As each day arises, welcome it as the very best day of all, and make it your own possession.
We must seize what flees.”
- Seneca, Moral Letters
5.
"You will only get one shot at today. You have only twenty-four hours with which to take it. And then it is gone and lost forever. Will you fully inhabit all of today? Will you call out, “I’ve got this,” and do your very best to be your very best?
What will you manage to make of today before it slips from your fingers and becomes the past?
When someone asks you what you did yesterday, do you really want the answer to be 'nothing'?"
- Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic