12 Inspirational Sayings to Keep You Going When Life Gets Tough

Life can be challenging, filled with obstacles, setbacks, and moments when it feels like everything is working against us. Whether it’s a personal crisis, professional struggles, or moments of self-doubt, we all face tough times. However, it’s in these very moments of difficulty that we often need a little encouragement to keep pushing forward. Inspirational sayings have the power to uplift our spirits, refocus our minds, and reignite our inner strength. Here are twelve sayings that can help you stay resilient and motivated when life gets tough.

1. “This too shall pass.”

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to think that the hardship will last forever. But this timeless saying serves as a reminder that every difficulty is temporary. The storm may seem unending, but just as seasons change, so do our circumstances. This simple phrase offers comfort in knowing that relief is on its way, no matter how long the struggle may feel.

2. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous saying highlights the power of adversity. Challenges are difficult, but they often leave us more capable and resilient than before. Every time you face a hardship and survive it, you are becoming stronger, wiser, and more prepared for future challenges. This saying encourages you to view difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

3. “The only way out is through.”

When you’re going through a difficult time, the idea of avoiding the pain or seeking an easier path can be tempting. However, this saying reminds us that in order to overcome our struggles, we must face them head-on. The key to healing and growth is often found in the process of confronting and moving through adversity. The pain may be hard, but it’s also temporary, and it leads to strength and wisdom.

4. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Belief in yourself is often the first step toward overcoming adversity. This quote from Theodore Roosevelt reminds us that having the confidence and determination to face challenges can be just as important as any other action. When you believe that you can make it through tough times, you’ve already set yourself on the path to success, even before you take the first step.

5. “When one door closes, another opens.”

At times, life’s setbacks can feel like closed doors, leaving us feeling stuck or lost. However, this saying offers hope by emphasizing that while one opportunity may be lost, there are always new opportunities ahead. It’s a reminder to keep your eyes open for the next path that will lead you forward, even if it takes time to find it.

6. “You are stronger than you think.”

When we face tough situations, it’s common to underestimate our own strength. We may feel overwhelmed by the challenges in front of us and forget how resilient we’ve been in the past. This saying serves as a reminder that, even when we don’t feel capable, we possess an inner strength that can help us navigate even the hardest moments. Trust yourself – you have the power to endure.

7. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote encourages us to embrace the unknown, especially when we’re feeling lost or uncertain. When life gets tough, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a dead-end, but Emerson’s words remind us that the most fulfilling journeys often begin when we step off the beaten path. Trust in your own journey, even if it means creating your own way.

8. “The darkest hour is just before the dawn.”

This saying serves as a beacon of hope when we’re facing life’s darkest moments. It reminds us that even when things feel hopeless, relief is often just around the corner. Hard times are not permanent, and even in the worst moments, better days are ahead. Hold on tight and keep pushing forward because your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

9. “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”

Similar to the previous saying, this quote reminds us that sometimes life’s challenges seem most difficult when we’re on the verge of a breakthrough. The metaphor of darkness and dawn encourages us to keep our faith when things feel at their hardest. Dawn always follows the night, and so will better days after tough times.

10. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Life can often feel overwhelming when we look at the big picture, especially when we’re going through tough times. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote encourages us to break down our struggles into manageable steps. You don’t need to have the entire plan figured out, you just need to take the first step. Moving forward, even in small ways, will eventually lead to progress.

11. “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.”

Sometimes, it feels like everything is going wrong, and it’s hard to find anything positive in a tough day. This saying reminds us that even in challenging moments, there is always something worth appreciating. It may be something small—a moment of kindness, a beautiful sunset, or a feeling of gratitude—but acknowledging the good in each day can help shift your perspective and make the tough times easier to bear.

12. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson

During difficult times, it’s easy to feel like time is standing still or moving too slowly. Sam Levenson’s quote encourages us to keep moving forward, just as a clock keeps ticking. No matter how slow or difficult the progress may seem, the key is consistency and persistence. Keep going, and in time, you’ll see the results of your efforts.

Final Thoughts

Tough times are an inevitable part of life, but they are also temporary. These twelve inspirational sayings remind us that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always hope, strength, and a path forward. By keeping these sayings in mind, you can find the encouragement to push through even the toughest moments. Remember, you are stronger than you realize, and brighter days are ahead. Keep going, and trust that you will emerge from this period of hardship even more resilient and determined than before.