7 Encouraging Quotes to Impact Your Life

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There are times when you come across a quote, a line in a movie, or a sentence in a book that makes a huge impact on your life. Often, the quote comes at a time when you need it the most.

Fellow Tribe Writer Bryan Hutchinson, from Positive Writer, challenged us to share seven quotes that influenced our lives. Since we can all use a little encouragement now and then, I’m choosing seven quotes that encourage me as a writer.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ― C. S. Lewis

I’ve often said that I wish I had begun writing at an earlier age. I could let those regrets keep me from writing now or I can choose to write. The quote by C. S. Lewis is a wonderful reminder that we are never too old to begin something new.

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”—Vincent van Gogh

In one of the first writing classes I took, the instructor used this quote by Vincent van Gogh. I struggled with self-doubt for years. Van Gogh’s words made probably made the biggest impact on me as a writer. Whenever my inner voice tells me, “You cannot write,” I write. Writing silences that voice.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

There are times when we will succeed and times when we will fail. If we stop with our first success—whether it is a freelance writing opportunity or a published book, we will miss some great opportunities. Likewise, must never let our failures (and there will be some) discourage us to the point of quitting. We must have the courage to continue.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison

Imagine what could have happened if Thomas Edison had given up after two or three attempts at inventing the light bulb. As writers, if we quit after two or three rejections, we will never succeed. Keep striving!

 “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”—Chinese Proverb

The life of a writer is truly a journey—often filled with unexpected twists and turns. It is a marathon—not a sprint. Sometimes the journey is difficult, but remember, we need take only one step at a time.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can somehow become great.” Mark Twain

I don’t like to be around negative people—those that always think the worst and never see anything positive in any situation. Likewise, beware of those who belittle and berate you. They can destroy your self-confidence and ambitions in a heartbeat.

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

This last quote speaks for itself. Believe! You! Can!

What are some quotes that have made an impact on your life? Please share in the comments. And be sure to visit Positive Writer to see what Bryan and some other Tribe Writers are saying.

Several of these quotes, plus a few more, are featured in my upcoming manifesto, Dare to Dream. I will be giving away free copies to all who subscribe to my blog via email. Please check back soon!

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