100 Inspiring Quotes for When You Feel Like Giving Up (and Motivate You)

We’ve all been there: feeling crushed beneath the weight of life’s challenges, ready to throw in the towel.

It’s no surprise that you’re searching for that spark—those giving up quotes that will rekindle the fire within you when you feel like quitting.

You connect with quotes about giving up because they echo the familiar “sometimes I feel like giving up” moments you’ve battled through in the past.

Sometimes, all it takes is a single, powerful quote to awaken the sleeping giant within us.

I recall a dear friend who had weathered unimaginable storms once sharing with me:

Believe me, we’re stronger than we know. We’re more resilient than we ever imagined.

Those words struck me like lightning, igniting a surge of energy and determination like nothing else could.

For you, it could be any one of these 100 quotes for when you feel like giving up that will fuel your willpower when you’re on the edge of surrendering.

So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and grant yourself a much-needed pause.

Brew a cup of your go-to beverage and soak up the inspiration from these 100 motivational giving up quotes when you feel like giving up.

Let the age-old wisdom wash over you, energise your spirit, and remind you that you’re capable of so much more than you think.

And don’t forget to share these potent quotes for when you feel like giving up with those you care about.

Who knows?

It might just be the nudge they need to rise above their challenges, overcome the urge to give up, and reclaim their power, too.

Strengthen Your Resolve: 100 Giving Up Quotes for When Life Gets Hard

1. Overcoming Challenges: Robert Frost’s Encouragement

Robert Frost quote about overcoming challenges

The best way out is always through.

Robert Frost

2. Rising Above Competition: Ken Venturi’s Determination

Ken Venturi quote about rising above competition

I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.

Ken Venturi

3. Seizing Opportunities: William Butler Yeats’ Advice

William Butler Yeats quote about seizing opportunities

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.

William Butler Yeats

4. The Power of Persistence: Jim Rohn’s Wisdom

Jim Rohn quote about the power of persistence

How long should you try? Until.

Jim Rohn

5. Overcoming Defeat: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Resilience

F. Scott Fitzgerald quote about overcoming defeat

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

6. Creating Your Path: Philip Sidney’s Determination

Philip Sidney quote about creating your path

Either I will find a way, or I will make one.

Philip Sidney

7. The Importance of Hard Work: George Lucas’ Insight

George Lucas quote about the importance of hard work

Working hard is extremely important. You’re not going to get anywhere without working extremely hard.

George Lucas

8. Taking Action: Horace’s Motivation

Horace quote about taking action

Don’t think, just do.

Horace

 9. Accepting Responsibility: Katharine Hepburn’s Self-Awareness

We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers – but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change you’re the one who has got to change.

Katharine Hepburn

10. Realising Dreams: Walt Disney’s Belief

Walt Disney quote about realising dreams

If you can dream it, you can do it.

Walt Disney

11. Facing Problems Head-On: Alfred A. Montapert’s Attitude

Alfred A. Montapert about facing problems head-on

Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.

Alfred A. Montapert

12. The Power of Will: Pauline Kael’s Tenacity

Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.

Pauline Kael

13. Embracing New Beginnings: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Optimism

Eleanor Roosevelt quote about embracing new beginnings

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.

Eleanor Roosevelt

14. Turning Problems into Opportunities: Robert H. Schuller’s Perspective

Robert H. Schuller quote about turning problems into opportunities

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.

Robert H. Schuller

15. Maintaining Childlike Wonder: Randy Pausch’s Enthusiasm

Randy Pausch quote about maintaining childlike wonder

Never lose the childlike wonder. Show gratitude… Don’t complain; just work harder… Never give up.

Randy Pausch

16. Protecting Your Dreams: Maeve Greyson’s Confidence

Maeve Greyson quote about protecting your dreams

No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them.

Maeve Greyson

17. Embracing Courage: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Determination

Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

18. The Value of Hard Work and Perseverance: Hope Hicks’ Dedication

Hope Hicks quotes about the value of hard work and perseverance

There is no substitute for hard work. Never give up. Never stop believing. Never stop fighting.

Hope Hicks

19. Self-Belief: Sugar Ray Robinson’s Confidence

Sugar Ray Robinson quote about self-belief

To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will.

Sugar Ray Robinson

20. The Power of Persistence: Conrad Hilton’s Success

Conrad Hilton quote about the power of persistence

Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.

Conrad Hilton

21. Staying Positive: Elvis Presley’s Advice

Elvis Presley quote about staying positive

When things go wrong, don’t go with them.

Elvis Presley

 22. The Importance of Resilience: Reshma Saujani’s Determination

Never give up. People will always discount you, and you’ll always get rejected. But set your sights high. Be boldly ambitious. Be relentless and never give up.

Reshma Saujani

23. The Value of Persistence: William Feather’s Dedication

William Feather quote about the value of persistence

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.

William Feather

24. Patience and Persistence: Albert Einstein’s Wisdom

Albert Einstein quote about patience and persistence

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

Albert Einstein

25. Unwavering Determination: Masashi Kishimoto’s Resolve

Masashi Kishimoto quote about unwavering determination

Give up trying to make me give up.

Masashi Kishimoto

26. The Importance of Perseverance: Confucius’ Wisdom

Confucius quote about the importance of perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius

27. Focusing on Potential: Pope John XXIII’s Optimism

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

Pope John XXIII

28. The Impact of Action: William James’ Encouragement

William James quote about the impact of action

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

William James

29. Choosing Motivation: Wayne Dyer’s Perspective

Wayne Dyer quote about choosing motivation

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.

Wayne Dyer

30. The Power of Persistence: Winston Churchill’s Dedication

Winston Churchill about the power of persistence

Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.

Winston Churchill

31. Maintaining Balance: Albert Einstein’s Wisdom

Albert Einstein quote about maintaining balance

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

Albert Einstein

32. Creating Opportunities: George Bernard Shaw’s Proactivity

People are always blaming circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get ahead in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.

George Bernard Shaw

33. Embracing Potential: George Eliot’s Encouragement

George Eliot quote about embracing potential

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

George Eliot

34. Learning from Failure: Elbert Hubbard’s Wisdom

Elbert Hubbard quote about learning from failure

There is no failure except in no longer trying.

Elbert Hubbard

35. Embracing Unexpected Outcomes: Dalai Lama’s Insight

Dalai Lama quote about embracing unexpected outcomes

Remember that sometimes, not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

Dalai Lama

36. The Importance of Dreams: Emma Goldman’s Inspiration

Emma Goldman about the importance of dreams

When we can’t dream any longer we die.

Emma Goldman

37. Overcoming Obstacles: Robert Kraft’s Persistence

A lot of people have their big dreams and get knocked down and don’t have things go their way. And you never give up hope, and you really just hold on to it. Hard work and perseverance. You just keep getting up and getting up, and then you get that breakthrough.

Robert Kraft

38. Rising Against the Odds: Jesse Jackson’s Determination

Jesse Jackson about rising against the odds

If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds.

Jesse Jackson

39. Achieving the Impossible: Nelson Mandela’s Belief

Nelson Mandela quote about achieving the impossible

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

Nelson Mandela

40. Unlocking Potential: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Magic

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe about unlocking potential

Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

41. The Power of Dreams: Richard E. Grant’s Motivation

Richard E. Grant quote about the power of dreams

Never give up. You only get one life. Go for it!

Richard E. Grant

42. Pursuing Success: Jimmy Smits’ Dedication

There are no right and wrong ways to work in this business, but there are some basic common-sense practices. Work very, very hard and always be prepared; never give up; and once you get the job, give them more than they ever expected: – Shine!

Jimmy Smits

43. Improving Your Future: Ralph Marston’s Encouragement

Ralph Marston quote about improving your future

What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

Ralph Marston

44. Embracing Failure: Jane Addams’ Regret

Jane Addams quote about embracing failure

Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.

Jane Addams

45. Finding Hope in Hopelessness: Anne Lamott’s Determination

Anne Lamott quote about finding hope in hopelessness

The reason I never give up hope is because everything is so basically hopeless.

Anne Lamott

46. Overcoming Doubt: Sheldon Cahoon’s Confidence

Sheldon Cahoon quote about overcoming doubt

When someone tells you that you can’t do something, perhaps you should consider that they are only telling you what they can’t do.

Sheldon Caho

47. Turning the Tide: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Perseverance

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

48. The Power of Persistence: Thomas A. Edison’s Wisdom

Thomas A. Edison quote about the power of persistence

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Thomas A. Edison

49. Persevering Through Adversity: Winston Churchill’s Strength

Winston Churchill quote about persevering through adversity

When you are going through hell, keep on going. Never never never give up.

Winston Churchill

50. Overcoming Defeat: Maya Angelou’s Resilience

Maya Angelou quote about overcoming defeat

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.

Maya Angelou

51. The Value of Action: Benjamin Franklin’s Wisdom

Benjamin Franklin quote about the value of action

Well done is better than well said.

Benjamin Franklin

52. Overcoming Time Fears: Earl Nightingale’s Perspective

Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.

Earl Nightingale

53. Persevering With a Smile: Yani Tseng’s Attitude

Yani Tseng quote about persevering with a smile

I will keep smiling, be positive and never give up! I will give 100 per cent each time I play. These are always my goals and my attitude.

Yani Tseng

54. Believing in Yourself: Christian D. Larson’s Confidence

Christian D. Larson quote about believing in yourself

Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.

Christian D. Larson

55. Learning from Failure: Thomas Edison’s Experience

Thomas Edison quote about learning from failure

I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

Thomas Edison

56. Overcoming Odds: Elon Musk’s Ambition

Elon Musk quote about overcoming odds

When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.

Elon Musk

57. Pursuing Passion: George Lucas’ Dedication

You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don’t have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you’ll stop at the first giant hurdle.

George Lucas

58. Aiming High: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Ambition

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote about aiming high

We aim above the mark to hit the mark.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

59. Never Giving Up: Edin Dzeko’s Persistence

Edin Dzeko quote about never giving up

I always try to do my best. Sometimes is that enough to get a good result, sometimes not, but I never give up, and I never will.

Edin Dzeko

60. Embracing Change: Jim Rohn’s Adaptability

Jim Rohn quote about embracing change

If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree.

Jim Rohn

61. The Power of Persistence: Babe Ruth’s Tenacity

Babe Ruth quote about the power of persistence

You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.

Babe Ruth

62. Believing in Yourself: Marta’s Confidence

Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds.

Marta

63. Embracing Risk: Albert Einstein’s Courage

Albert Einstein quote about embracing risk

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

Albert Einstein

64. Quiet Courage: Mary Anne Radmacher’s Strength

Mary Anne Radmacher quote about quiet courage

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.

Mary Anne Radmacher

65. Believing in Success: Nikos Kazantzakis’ Confidence

Nikos Kazantzakis quote about believing in success

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

Nikos Kazantzakis

66. The Value of Failure: Charles F. Kettering’s Wisdom

Charles F. Kettering quote about the value of failure

One fails forward toward success.

Charles F. Kettering

67. Designing Your Life: Jim Rohn’s Responsibility

Jim Rohn quote about designing your life

If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.

Jim Rohn

68. The Power of Will: Orison Swett Marden’s Determination

Orison Swett Marden quote about the power of will

A will finds a way.

Orison Swett Marden

69. The Strength of Dreams: Leila Lopes’ Perseverance

Leila Lopes quote about the strength of dreams

I never give up, even when people tell me that I can’t do something. But if I believe I can, I really fight for it.

Leila Lopes

70. Becoming a Better Version of Yourself: Madonna’s Growth

Madonna quote about becoming a better version of yourself

No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always become a better version of yourself.

Madonna

71. Committing to Action: George Lucas’ Determination

George Lucas quote about committing to action

No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.

George Lucas

72. Holding Onto Your Dreams: Simon Sinek’s Persistence

Simon Sinek quote about holding onto your dreams

Don’t quit. Never give up trying to build the world you can see, even if others can’t see it. Listen to your drum and your drum only. It’s the one that makes the sweetest sound.

Simon Sinek

73. The Power of Belief: John Burroughs’ Confidence

John Burroughs quote about the power of belief

If you think you can do it, you can.

John Burroughs

74. Pressing Forward: George Whitefield’s Determination

George Whitefield quote about pressing forward

Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.

George Whitefield

75. Pursuing Improvement: Thomas A. Edison’s Innovation

Thomas A. Edison quote about pursuing improvement

There’s a way to do it better – find it.

Thomas A. Edison

76. Seizing the Moment: Wayne Dyer’s Urgency

Wayne Dyer quote about seizing the moment

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.

Wayne Dyer

77. Embracing Adversity: Charlie Jones’ Resilience

Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be.

Charlie Jones

78. Setting Goals: Napoleon Hill’s Ambition

Napoleon Hill quote about setting goals

A goal is a dream with a deadline.

Napoleon Hill

79. Creating Luck: Brian Tracy’s Proactivity

I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.

Brian Tracy

80. Expanding Your Abilities: Lucille Ball’s Growth

Lucille Ball quote about expanding your abilities

The more things you do, the more you can do.

Lucille Ball

81. Taking the First Step: William Wordsworth’s Initiative

William Wordsworth quote about taking the first step

To begin, begin.

William Wordsworth

82. Unlocking Personal Excellence: Confucius’ Keys

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

Confucius

83. Pushing Limits: Herbert A. Simon’s Exploration

Herbert A. Simon quote about pushing limits

One finds limits by pushing them.

Herbert A. Simon

84. Recognising the Brink of Success: Thomas Edison’s Persistence

Thomas Edison quote about recognising the brink of success

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Thomas Edison

85. Holding Onto Hope: C.J. Redwine’s Inspiration

It’s probably my job to tell you life isn’t fair, but I figure you already know that. So instead, I’ll tell you that hope is precious, and you’re right not to give up.

C.J. Redwine

86. The Power of Positivity: Norman Vincent Peale’s Motivation

Norman Vincent Peale quote about the power of positivity

It’s always too early to quit.

Norman Vincent Peale

87. Overcoming Regret: Jim Rohn’s Resolve

The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – never knowing.

Jim Rohn

88. Moving Forward Despite Falling: Victor Kiam’s Urgency

Victor Kiam quote about moving forward despite falling

Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.

Victor Kiam

89. Rising After Falling: Nelson Mandela’s Resilience

Nelson Mandela quote about rising after falling

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Nelson Mandela

90. Self-Created Inner Depths: Richard Rorty’s Ambition

Richard Rorty quote about self-created inner depths

There is nothing deep down inside us except what we have put there ourselves.

Richard Rorty

91. Room at the Top: Daniel Webster’s Proactivity

Daniel Webster quote about room at the top

There is always room at the top.

Daniel Webster

92. Pressing On Towards the Future: Barack Obama’s Growth

The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.

Barack Obama

93. The End and the Journey: Fernando Sabino’s Initiative

Fernando Sabino quote about the end and the journey

In the end, everything will be okay. If it’s not okay, it’s not yet the end.

Fernando Sabino

94. Encouragement to Not Give Up: Sidney Sheldon’s Keys

Don’t give up. There are too many nay-sayers out there who will try to discourage you. Don’t listen to them. The only one who can make you give up is yourself.

Sidney Sheldon

95. Intensity in Actions: Robert Henri’s Exploration

Robert Henri quote about intensity in actions

Do whatever you do intensely.

Robert Henri

96. Defying Age, Weariness, and Defeat: Rose Kennedy’s Persistence

Rose Kennedy quote about defying age, weariness, and defeat

I know not age, nor weariness nor defeat.

Rose Kennedy

97. Backing Up but Never Giving Up: Chuck Yeager’s Inspiration

You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up.

Chuck Yeager

 98. Winners and Quitters: Ted Turner’s Motivation

Ted Turner quote about winnders and quitters

You can never quit. Winners never quit, and quitters never win.

Ted Turner

99. The Power of Big Dreams: H. Jackson Brown, Jr.’s Resolve

Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

100. Focusing on Light in Dark Moments: Aristotle Onassis’ Guidance

Aristotle Onassis quote about focusing on light in dark moments

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle Onassis

Final Thoughts on Giving Up Quotes for Perseverance

As we reach the end of this collection of powerful giving up quotes for when you feel like giving up, we hope that these words of wisdom have reignited your motivation and inspired you to keep pushing forward.

Remember, life is full of challenges, and it’s our ability to persevere through adversity that truly defines our strength.

Whenever you find yourself on the verge of giving up or wanting to quit, revisit these quotes about giving up as a reminder of the resilience that lies within you.

Take the time to reflect on the lessons these quotes offer and use them as a source of empowerment to overcome obstacles and chase after your dreams.

No matter what life throws your way, always remember that you have the power to keep going when you feel like quitting.

Embrace the journey, and let these inspiring quotes for when you feel like giving up be your guiding light on the path to success.

Looking for additional motivation? Don’t miss our collection of When Going Gets Tough Quotes: Motivational Nuggets for Tough Times to further fuel your resilience.

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