11 motivational quotes every student and worker needs in their life

Words have power. It is why we put so much stock into motivational words to help us achieve our dreams.

I remember when I first heard the Scottish proverb, “What’s for you will not go by you” (or in the local slang, “Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye”) while studying at the University of Glasgow.

Akin to the better-known quote “what will be, will be,” this proverb gave me a more visual representation and perspective, making it easier to believe and resonate with.

There’s a cultural aspect to motivational words too. For instance, this proverb offered an insight into Scottish culture and mindset. It gave me a better idea of what growing up there must have been like.

Many of us grew up with colourful posters with uplifting quotes decorating the walls of our schools and colleges.

These phrases push us forward. They remind us of what we would like to work towards and help us look at the bright side.

People have these motivational words jotted on their planners — some planners even have quotes decorating their covers — and there are even productivity apps that use these quotes to help you along.

Some use these wise phrases as mantras to live by. Famous people do too.

Running a marathon can be an excruciating journey, but Japanese author Haruki Murakami uses the quote “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional” to motivate himself forward.

It helps him redirect his thoughts and have a more positive outlook.

When faced with insults from Donald Trump, Michelle Obama uttered, “When they go low, we go high”. She used this phrase to hold her head high and not be baited by others’ anger and negativity.

This line encourages people to practice restraint in the face of frustration.

But how useful are these motivational words for students and workers?

University, office and life aren’t easy, as these stats show:

• 80% of higher education students reported symptoms of stress or anxiety (Uni Health study)
• Nine out of 10 students experienced stress, while one NUS survey found that nine in 10 students experienced stress (NUS survey)
• More than half of 1,500 US workers said they were feeling burned out as a result of their job demands (2021 survey by Indeed)
• More than two-thirds of Americans said they were anxious about how climate change would affect the planet (American Psychiatric Association poll)

Are there motivational quotes strong enough to deal with the rat race, social media-driven anxiety to live the perfect life and a burning world?

The power of words

Anyone who doubts the power of words need only remember the last time their mother scolded them, a stranger remarking on their race or a lover saying, “I’m breaking up with you.”

But pain, shame and humiliation aren’t its only effects. Think of when your mother consoled you, a boss praising your hard work or a partner saying they love you for the very first time.

In moments of uncertainty, homesickness, self-doubt or at any time when our strength falters, words of wisdom can be a beacon of hope. They offer guidance, inspiration, and the strength to persevere.

In these times, the more unique these motivational words are to you, the better.

11 best motivational words for international students

1. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

What you learn in university can prepare you to make your way in the job market in the future.

Education provides you with a great foundation to build your success. From skills like teamwork and time management to critical thinking skills and meeting deadlines, these are all important as you progress into the working world.

These words by Malcolm X remind us that the future does not happen by chance or luck. Instead, it is shaped by those who take the time and effort to prepare for it.

Malcolm X’s words matter because he was not only a major figure in the civil rights movement but also someone who transformed his own life through education. Despite having limited formal schooling, he educated himself extensively while in prison, eventually becoming one of the most influential voices advocating for social justice, empowerment, and self-determination. He is proof of how knowledge can open doors and change lives.

Nelson Mandela is known for his thought-provoking thoughts and speeches.

2. “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Who better to take advice from than the man who ended the apartheid in South Africa, bringing peace to the country?

This statement of his emphasises the potential of education in shaping societies and fostering positive change.

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is a tool of empowerment. Education equips you with the intellectual and critical thinking skills to challenge the status quo, address societal injustices and drive positive change.

It allows you to understand complex issues, communicate effectively, and engage in informed and constructive conversations.

Making it a “weapon” for dismantling ignorance, prejudice, and inequality, ultimately leads to a better world.

3. “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

John Wooden was an American basketball coach and player. Nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood,” he won 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven in a row.

His quote encourages the need to focus on your strengths and abilities rather than be hindered by them. It emphasises the importance of a positive mindset and the belief that you can succeed by harnessing your capabilities.

4. “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein

We will likely make mistakes when we do things we have not mastered. In life, you will make many mistakes, but it is all about how you overcome them that determines your strength.

Albert Einstein believed that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the learning process and that taking risks and trying new things is necessary for growth and progress.

This belief is reflected in his own life. Although he is remembered as one of the greatest scientific minds in history, Einstein made many mistakes along the way. Some of his early work was misunderstood, and he even struggled academically as a child. Later, he made scientific errors — such as famously calling his introduction of the “cosmological constant” his biggest blunder — only for modern physics to later find value in the idea.

Einstein’s willingness to be wrong, revise his ideas, and try again is what ultimately helped him achieve groundbreaking discoveries. His life reminds us that mistakes are not signs of failure but stepping stones toward innovation and personal growth.

5. “Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth

Said by the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth, these motivational words transcend beyond just sports. It carries a message about never giving up despite challenges and setbacks.

Just as in baseball, where the fear of missing a pitch can prevent a player from swinging, in life, the fear of failure can stop someone from pursuing their goals and dreams.

Babe Ruth’s words implore us to push through that fear, step up to the plate, and take our best shot, regardless of the possibility of failure.

It acknowledges that failure is inevitable in any endeavour, but it should not be a reason to stop yourself from participating. Instead, it should be seen as a learning opportunity.

Imagine if Walt Disney gave up after his first rejection or if JK Rowling didn’t pitch the Harry Potter series 12 times until it got accepted.

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6. Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” — Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson went from having seven dollars in his pocket in 1995 to becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the world. That wasn’t by mistake or pure chance. Johnson, who was a professional wrestler, knows the importance of consistency and discipline.

This quote reminds us that achieving our goals doesn’t depend on a stroke of genius or luck. Rather, success can come from diligence and effort.

For students, this is crucial: You don’t need to be brilliant every single day. But you just need to show up every single day. Attend that 8 AM class even when you’re tired. Do the reading even when it’s boring. Submit decent work on time rather than perfect work late.

These small, consistent actions compound into extraordinary results. Success isn’t one brilliant moment — it can culminate from a thousand ordinary ones executed with discipline.

7. “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” — Oprah Winfrey

This simple truth cuts through all the anxiety about the future. You can’t control what happens tomorrow, next semester, or next year. You can only control what you’re doing right now.

Are you fully present in this lecture? Are you giving your best effort to this assignment? Are you treating this moment with the attention it deserves? When you focus on excellence in the present, the future takes care of itself.

Oprah has noted that every day you’re only as good as your last show. Like Dwayne Johnson, she understand that it isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. And there aren’t many people who understand hard work more than Oprah does. Born into poverty and a myriad of struggles in her childhood, she built a massive media empire through grit, resilience, and effort.

If you feel inundated by your work, just remember that what you do now as an international student will help you stand out in the future, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

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8. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.” — Michelle Obama

Your perspective matters. Your experiences matter. Your ideas matter. That’s what Michelle Obama shared in her memoir, Becoming.

As an international student, you might feel out of place at times in the classroom, and even afterwards in the workplace. But you have to remember that your unique background and experiences is what sets you apart and helps you stand out.

In classrooms, group projects, or professional settings, don’t shrink yourself or stay silent because you think others know better.

Michelle Obama notes there’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. Don’t wait until you feel “qualified enough” to speak up. Your voice is already enough. Use it to advocate for yourself, to share your ideas, and to make a difference in your community.

9. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

For international students, this message carries special weight.

Studying in a new country means stepping far outside your comfort zone — navigating unfamiliar cultures, academic expectations, and moments of uncertainty. But it also means you’ve already taken a brave first step toward your dreams.

This quote is also a reminder that success doesn’t come from wishing alone; it comes from pressing forward even when things feel overwhelming. Every late-night study session, every challenge you rise to meet, and every small victory is proof of your courage. Keep moving, keep believing, and trust that your determination will lead you exactly where you’re meant to go.

10. “If I am worth anything later, I am worth something now. For wheat is wheat, even if people think it is grass in the beginning.” — Vincent Van Gogh

As a student, you might feel anxious about the future or like an impostor amongst your cohort. It’s easy to feel unsure of your abilities or to compare yourself to everyone around you. You might worry that you’re not talented enough, prepared enough, or “meant” to be where you are.

But remember, as this quote that’s attributed to Van Gogh posits, if you’re worth anything later, you are worth something now. Potential isn’t something you only gain later in life; it’s something you already carry within you.

Just like wheat doesn’t stop being wheat simply because someone mistakes it for grass, your worth isn’t determined by others’ perceptions, or even by your own self-doubt. Even if you’re still learning, still growing, still finding your place, you are already valuable.

Trust that the work you’re doing today is cultivating the person you’re becoming. Your worth isn’t conditional. It’s already there.

11. “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be,” — Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter

The quote “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be,” said by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter, reminds us that your background, circumstances, or starting point do not determine your future.

You’re not defined by your grades in high school, your family situation, or your financial situation. What actually counts is how you show up, what you choose to learn, and the effort you put in.

Psychology research also supports this idea: students with a “growth mindset,” which is the belief that abilities can be developed, result in higher motivation and better academic outcomes than those who believe skills are fixed.

Disclaimer: This article was updated on December 1o, 2025.