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Inspirational Quotes to Power Your Career

CareerFAQs contributor - Jenny Blondel
Jenny Sakr

Jun 21,2025

inspirational famous quotes

Feeling stuck in your job search? Thinking about a career change? Or just need that extra nudge to help you push through the challenges of 9-to-5 life? No matter where you are on your career journey, a few words of encouragement can help you refocus and stay on track.

We’ve rounded up some of the most powerful and timeless career quotes from leaders, thinkers, and innovators to inspire action and confidence. Save your favourites, print one out, or make it your desktop wallpaper—let these words remind you of your potential and the importance of perseverance, passion and purpose.

“Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure; it just means you haven’t succeeded yet.”

– Robert H. Schuller

“Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.”

– Paulo Coelho

Michael Jordan quote

“Dreams are extremely important. You can’t do it unless you imagine it.”

– George Lucas

“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”

– Sheryl Sandberg

“Desire! That’s the one secret of every man’s career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire.”

– Johnny Carson

“Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for doing it.”

– Katharine Whitehorn

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

– Walt Disney

Walt Disney quotes

“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.”

– General George Patton

“The best revenge is massive success.”

– Frank Sinatra

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”

– Mark Twain

“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you don’t stop.”

– Confucius

“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do what you can with it and make it the life you want to live.”

– Mae Jemison

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”

– Stephen Covey

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Mahatma Gandhi quote

“You are very powerful, provided you know how powerful you are.”

– Yogi Bhajan

“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.”

– Les Brown

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

– Beverly Sills

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

– George Eliot

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Take Action on Your Career Goals

Motivation is powerful—but so is taking the next step. If these quotes have lit a spark, now’s the time to fuel that momentum. Whether it’s going back to study, changing industries, or just building new skills, your next move starts with the right information.

Your goals are worth chasing—and with the right mindset and support, they’re absolutely within reach.

About the author

Jenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, she's produced articles on it all – from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend you're most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.

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