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88 Encouraging Quotes and Phrases That’ll Lift You up In Any Situation
Motivate yourself or a loved one to keep going with these uplifting words of encouragement.
By Blake Bakkila•
50 Words of Encouragement
38 Encouragement Quotes
Benefits of Reading or Sharing Words of Encouragement
Tips for Writing Your Own Words of Encouragement
Words of encouragement can go a long way, motivating us to complete a big project, hit a fitness PR, or simply feel better. Whether you want a boost to be more productive or are grappling with self-doubt or grief, positive affirmations are much more powerful than you might think. Just a few words can reframe your mindset or help a loved one who’s struggling.
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Fortunately, when you’re at a loss for words, you can turn to uplifting quotes and reminders from other inspiring figures to get the boost you need. Below, you’ll find helpful words of encouragement, as well as encouragement quotes from athletes, historical luminaries, Peloton instructors, and more to give yourself or a friend that extra push. Plus, keep reading to find expert insights on why these encouraging quotes can be so compelling—and how you can even write your own.
50 Words of Encouragement
Whether you’re searching for the right words to say to a loved one or looking for some positive affirmations for yourself during a challenging time, these words of encouragement can go a long way.
“I can. I will. End of story.”
“I’ve got this.”
“One breath at a time.”
“Remember your ‘why.’”
“You deserve this. You deserve to be here.”
“My actions are meaningful.”
“Take it one step at a time—nothing happens overnight.”
“Don’t be afraid of being a beginner.”
“Everything is figure-out-able.”
“I am worthy.”
“This is just the beginning.”
“What’s the best thing that could happen?”
“Anything is possible.”
“You are stronger than you think.”
“Keep on keeping on.”
“Your potential is endless.”
“I will make it through.”
“You’re not alone.”
“I am unstoppable.”
“The best is yet to come.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“You are so capable.”
“I am your biggest fan.”
“This is just one chapter of your story.”
“I wish you could see yourself how I see you.”
“Always stay true to yourself.”
“You’re almost to the finish line.”
“This is tough, but you’re tougher.”
“Be kind to yourself.”
“You can do hard things.”
“I’m here for you, always.”
“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now.”
“I am so grateful for you.”
“You are enough.”
“Choose prosperity over failure.”
“This is what you’re going through—not who you are.”
“You have the power to create your own reality.”
“You have the strength to get through this.”
“Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
“Believe you can and you will.”
“I’m not perfect, and that’s OK.”
“I am becoming the best version of myself.”
“This is only temporary.”
“Your strength is greater than any struggle.”
“Choose peace over panic.”
“I’m so inspired by you.”
“Think about how far you’ve come.”
“It’s OK to not be OK.”
“You’ve survived 100 percent of your worst days so far. You can do this.”
“Be gentle with yourself.”
38 Encouragement Quotes
Sometimes, it helps to be reminded of your capabilities from others, such as professional athletes, historical figures, celebrities, or your go-to Peloton instructors. Here are a few encouraging quotes to lift you up.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out, but don’t give up. Slow if you need to, but don’t give up.” —Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe
“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but how they can recover when they fall.” —Serena Williams
“There are so many great things in life; why dwell on negativity?” —Zendaya
“Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.” —Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” —Stephen Hawking
“I feel my greatest work is yet to come.” —Oprah Winfrey
“I am, I can, I will, I do.” —Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole
“...have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” —Steve Jobs
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure. The process is its own reward.” —Amelia Earhart
“You are stronger, bolder, braver than you think. Dig a little deeper—you got this.” —Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” —William Edward Hickson
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” —Thomas Edison
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." —Muhammad Ali
“Can I do this? Absolutely!” —Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” —Babe Ruth
“Dreams don’t have to just be dreams. You can make it a reality; if you just keep pushing and keep trying, then eventually you’ll reach your goal.” —Naomi Osaka
“You are already doing more than you thought.” —Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Confidence, I’d learned then, sometimes needs to be called from within. I’ve repeated the same words to myself many times now, through many climbs. Am I good enough? Yes I am.” —Michelle Obama
“We grow through what we go through.” —Peloton instructor Logan Aldridge
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” —Wayne Gretzky
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!” —Dolly Parton
“There’s a big part of you saying you can’t do it. Don’t believe it.” —Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby
“Just do the best you can. No one can do more than that.” —John Wooden
“To go out there and prove what I can do has taught me a lot about who I am. We can push ourselves further. We always have more to give.” —Simone Biles
“Every interval is an effort. A choice you make, to make the effort, to work hard. You should be proud of that.” —Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” —Walt Disney
“No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It’s going to bed at night thinking, ‘Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.’” —Brené Brown
“May you always remember to enjoy the road, especially when it’s a hard one.” —Kobe Bryant
“Believe in yourself, and you’re halfway there.” —Peloton instructor Callie Gullickson
“Optimism is a huge asset. We can always use more of it. But optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better.” —Melinda French Gates
“You are bold. You are brilliant and you are beautiful.” —Ashley Graham
“It is a privilege to work this hard.” —Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” —Dalai Lama
“There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” —Tina Fey
“Put your crown back on your head and remember who you are.” —Peloton instructor Robin Arzón

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Benefits of Reading or Sharing Words of Encouragement
These words of encouragement are certainly nice to hear, but hearing them also comes with a few impressive science-backed benefits.
“There is quite a bit of research around positive psychology, which has shown that positive affirmations and words of encouragement can reduce stress, thereby improving focus as well as performance,” says Brook Choulet, MD, a concierge sports and performance psychiatrist.
Dr. Choulet cites one study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, which determined that “athletes using self-talk experienced more fun and interest, and they perceived higher effort value and competence.”
Daya Grant, PhD, a certified mental performance consultant, neuroscientist, and athlete who’s spent decades studying how the brain affects athletic performance, cites two other studies that illustrate the power of encouragement quotes: One, published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, found that receiving “frequent verbal encouragement” (every 20 or 60 seconds) led to a significantly greater effort for athletes running on a treadmill. In another study, published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, participants were able to lift heavier weights, get through more reps of a time trial, and even reported having more fun when they received words of encouragement.
Even if you don’t have a coach or Peloton instructor motivating you during a workout, it can still help to recite an encouraging quote or mantra to yourself while you’re moving. “If you’re doing a repetitive action, like running, walking, cycling, rowing, or even lifting a set, it can help to repeat the words of encouragement rhythmically, to match the beat of your movements,” Grant says.
Positive self-talk can get you to any finish line, and motivating a friend, coworker, or family member has benefits for your own mental health and interpersonal relationships too.
“It’s an easy dose of happiness and it doesn’t cost us anything to serve,” Grant adds. “Words of encouragement can help another person feel seen, which can strengthen your bond.”
Tips for Writing Your Own Words of Encouragement
Reading encouraging quotes from others is (clearly!) powerful stuff. But both Grant and Dr. Choulet are proponents of writing down your own words of encouragement as well. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
Write in the present tense. Dr. Choulet recommends focusing on your process, not the outcome. With that, you should also stay focused on the present, and use present tense in your words of encouragement. (For example: “I show up for myself in meaningful ways every day.”)
Pay attention to your self-talk. “If it doesn’t serve you, then flip the script,” Grant says, adding that your words should be helpful, not harmful.
Notice what resonates with you. “Not everyone responds well to overly positive or ‘fluffy’ language,” Grant says. “Experiment with a phrase you wrote while you’re moving or performing. If, after a few trials, it really doesn’t do much for you, try another one. Different phrases may serve you at different times, so aim for variety.”
Make these words part of your daily ritual. “I encourage my patients to keep their affirmations as their phone background or put them up in their bathroom mirror, repeating it to themselves when they wake up and when they prepare to go to sleep,” Dr. Choulet says.
There isn’t a universal formula to crafting your own quotes for encouragement, but making an effort to share uplifting messages—to yourself or to others—is a recipe for success. With these insights and examples, you can prepare to take on your next challenge.
Looking for more words of encouragement? You’ll find plenty on the Peloton App, which is home to thousands of instructor-led classes that are packed with motivation to help you push through your workout and your day-to-day.
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician for questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. If you are having a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
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