20 Empowering Quotes For When You’re Feeling Defeated

23 Jun 20 Empowering Quotes For When You’re Feeling Defeated

One of the favorite features of the computer and tablet versions of Artful Agenda is the motivational and empowering quotes included on the day, week, and month views. On any given day, at least one of those quotes will likely resonate and give you just the right inspiration to be the best version of yourself. Here are 20 of the most empowering quotes included in Artful Agenda to give you a boost when you are feeling defeated!

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” Henry Ford

When you maintain the perspective that there is always something you can learn from any failed attempt, it will only make you smarter for your next try.

“Talk to yourself like you would someone you love.” Brené Brown

When you catch yourself indulging in negative self-talk, ask yourself if you would say those things to your best friend or your child.  Remember that you are worthy of kindness and love, even when you make mistakes. 

 “Know this, you can start over each morning.” Tyler Joseph

Don’t get stuck reliving yesterday’s disappointments. Give yourself permission to wipe the slate clean each day. 

 “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

You do not have to accept another person’s opinion of you as anything other than what it is —their opinion. 

“The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” Catherine Plano

Overcoming setbacks are opportunities to demonstrate your determination, creativity, and growth.

 “You are not your circumstances. You are your possibilities.  If you know that, you can do anything.” Oprah Winfrey

Challenging circumstances cannot doom you to failure any more than optimal circumstances can guarantee your success. Keep believing in your potential and exploring all of the possibilities.

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Resist the temptation to second-guess your decisions just because others disagree with you. If you make your decisions with a view toward doing only what others will agree with, then you might as well let others make your decisions for you!

 “Forget the mistake. Remember the lesson.”

Focusing on your mistakes can lead to guilt and self-doubt, which can be difficult to overcome. Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process, not an indication that you are incapable.

 “Fear, he is a liar.” Zach Williams

Fears that you aren’t good enough, strong enough, beautiful, worthy, or loved, are lies. Lies that will rob you of your joy and contentment if you believe them. Don’t believe them!

 “Your worth is not measured by your productivity.”

You are worth so much more than your to-do list! Being a well-rounded human being means that some of your time should be spent resting, imagining, laughing, reflecting, feeling your feelings, and connecting with yourself and others. 

  “The distance doesn’t matter, it is only the first step that is difficult.” Marie du Deffand

When you are feeling stuck by overwhelm, remind yourself that after you take that first step in the right direction, the law of inertia will help you to keep moving forward and continue taking action toward your goals. 

  “If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.” Ruthie Lindsey

A great way to lift your own spirits is to find a way to make someone else’s day with a simple but sincere compliment. You never know how your kind words may give someone just what they need to continue to aspire to reach their own goals.

“If you can’t beat fear, just do it scared.” Glennon Doyle Melton

We’re not talking about the kind of fear that tells you that something is dangerous, but the kind of fear that tells you that something matters. Lean into it until the dread starts to subside, even just a little. This type of fear tells you that what you are doing is important, let it do its job to show you that you are on the right path.

 “There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” Vicki Baum

Dancing combines physical exercise with the positive power of music and if done in a group, you get the benefit of social engagement. Dancing can reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase the feel-good hormones called endorphins. The next time you are feeling defeated, put on some music and your dancing shoes!

 “She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.” Elizabeth Edwards

Focus on what is in your control! You cannot control the wind but you can control how you interact with the wind to reach your destination. You should focus on how you are reacting to the things that are out of your control if you want to meet your goals.

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” Brené Brown

If you spend your life avoiding any feeling of being ‘exposed’ or you associate vulnerability with weakness you will block the creativity that you can experience when you are free from judgment, fear, and shame that letting yourself be vulnerable can bring.

 “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.” Naeem Callaway

In certain seasons of life, tiny steps may be all you can possibly do considering your other obligations and the finite amount of time and energy you have available. Don’t stand still just because you can’t make giant strides right now. Tiptoe towards your goals if you have to!

“Now and then it’s good to pause in the pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” Guillaume Apollinaire

Set your intention to be happy, do something every day that makes you happy, uplift others, and cultivate a practice of gratitude. These are guaranteed ways to avoid the trap of “I’ll be happy when I finally [ insert goal here ].”

“Instructions for life: Pay attention. Be amazed. Tell about it.” Mary Oliver

When you maintain the curiosity of a child there are so many interesting things to discover that you might otherwise overlook. Find an outlet to share your discoveries, whether it is around the dinner table with your family, posting on social media, or even writing an article or book.

 “Just to be alive is a grand thing.” Agatha Christie

Feeling defeated sometimes is part of the human experience, but thankfully so is feeling accomplished. Being alive means you still get the chance to experience all of the emotions that enrich your existence, from profound joy to profound despair. Your very existence is an astonishing thing and to be alive is a very grand thing!

If you haven’t yet experienced the inspirational, motivational, and empowering quotes that Artful Agenda includes as part of your digital planner on your computer or tablet,  you can take advantage of our FREE two-week trial.