150 Quotes About Resilience and Grit to Build Mental Toughness

Last year, when I was navigating a particularly challenging season in my career, I felt like I was constantly pushing against a wall that wouldn’t budge. My energy was flagging, and my resolve was thinning. It was during one of those late-night scrolling sessions that I stumbled upon a simple line about resilience that completely shifted my perspective: “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.”

I realized then that I wasn’t failing; I was just trying to be an oak when the situation called for a willow. That insight didn’t just help me get through the week—it changed how I approached every obstacle since. We all have those moments where the weight of the world feels heavy, and that’s exactly when we need an espresso shot of wisdom to remind us of our inner strength.

These 150 powerful, bite-sized quotes on resilience and grit are curated to fuel your spirit and keep you moving forward, no matter how steep the climb. I’ve found that keeping these words close helps me refocus when things get tough, and I hope they serve as a similar anchor for you.

Uplifting Quotes About Resilience for Overcoming Adversity

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and often, it’s the detours that define our character. When I’m facing a setback, I turn to these words to remind myself that my current situation isn’t my final destination. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about how quickly we choose to get back up and try again. These quotes have been my anchor during some of my most turbulent times. If you’re looking for more ways to stay strong, our collection of courage quotes to face your fears pairs perfectly with these resilience strategies.

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” — Steve Maraboli This mindset shift changed everything for me. We can’t always change the storm, but we can change the ship.
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” — Robert Jordan Flexibility is a form of strength that we often overlook in our pursuit of being “tough.”
“A good half of the art of living is resilience.” — Alain de Botton Learning to bounce back is just as important as learning how to move forward.
“Grief and resilience live together.” — Michelle Obama One of the most profound truths I’ve learned is that strength and sadness aren’t mutually exclusive.
“Resilience is an important key. Protect the key to your peaceful heart.” — Angelica Hopes
“Cleaning the wound is often more painful than the cut itself.” — Brandon Sanderson
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me?” — Ayn Rand
“It may sound strange, but many champions are made champions by setbacks.” — Bob Richards I’ve seen this in my own life—every major growth spurt followed a significant failure.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“What helps you persevere is your resilience and commitment.” — Roy T. Bennett
“I tried and failed. I tried again and again and succeeded.” — Gail Borden
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” — Mary Anne Radmacher This is my go-to quote whenever I feel like I’ve hit a dead end. It’s the ultimate definition of grit.
“When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had.” — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” — Og Mandino

Powerful Grit Quotes to Build Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is a muscle that we build through consistent effort and a refusal to quit. Grit is that “extra something” that separates those who dream from those who achieve. I’ve found that on the days I want to give up most, focusing on just one more step is what builds the lasting grit I need. To understand more about the science behind this, you can explore Angela Duckworth’s Grit Scale and her research on passion and perseverance.

“People with grit don’t believe that failure is a permanent condition.” — Angela Duckworth Once you stop seeing failure as an end point, your potential becomes limitless.
“Success doesn’t just happen. It is a product of hard work, grit, and ingenuity.” — Ogwo David Emenike
“Grit is having the courage to push through, no matter what the obstacles are, because it’s worth it.” — Chris Morris
“Grit is having the courage to do the right thing, regardless of the popularity or consequences.” — Joan Hall Doing what’s right when it’s hard is the highest form of character.
“Grit is picking yourself up and moving forward even when you think you can’t take one more step.” — Christy Mossburg
“Successful people aren’t born successful. Behind it all, there is hard work, persistence, and a lot of grit.” — Arshad Wahedna
“Life may try to knock you down, but be persistent with your passions—cultivate grit, resilience, tenacity, and endurance.” — Amit Ray
“Grit is knowing who you are and where you are headed, moving determinedly forward with eyes fixed on the mark.” — Christine Bisch
“Grit is the stubborn refusal to quit.” — Anonymous Sometimes, just refusing to stop is the most powerful thing you can do.
“Leadership grit begets grit. Lead by example.” — Bill Hybels
“Every great story happened when someone decided not to give up.” — Spryte Loriano
“You have a choice! You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face!” — Anonymous
“Grit is sticking with your future day in, day out and not just for the week, but for years.” — Angela Lee Duckworth Consistency over time is the secret sauce that no one likes to talk about.
“Humans are creatures of habit. If you force yourself to push through it, the grit begins to grow in you.” — Travis Bradberry
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” — Angela Duckworth

Inspirational Quotes About Bouncing Back from Setbacks

Setbacks are often setups for even greater comebacks. Whenever I’ve hit what felt like a dead end, these quotes reminded me that the path forward is rarely a straight line. Bouncing back requires a mix of self-compassion and a fierce determination to keep going. If you’re navigating a difficult season, our perseverance quotes for tough times offer more specialized support for those hard days.

“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we write the next chapter.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
“The day is what you make it! So why not make it a great one?” — Steve Schulte
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” — Jimmy Johnson That “extra” is usually found in the moments when we want to quit but don’t.
“Resilience arises out of a belief in one’s own self-efficacy and the ability to deal with change.” — Brigid Gillespie
“No matter how bleak a situation may appear, it does not entirely own us.” — Ryder Carroll
“Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on.” — Les Brown Self-forgiveness is the prerequisite for resilience. You can’t bounce back if you’re weighed down by guilt.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” — Thomas Edison
“On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it.” — Gregory S Williams
“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power to pick yourself up.” — Mary Holloway
“Training your brain to manage stress won’t just affect the quality of your life, but perhaps even the length of it.” — Amy Morin
“Resilience represents a constellation of characteristics that protect individuals from the potential negative effect of stressors.” — Ivan Robertson
“No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.” — Greg Kincaid I love this metaphor. Plowing ahead keeps the path open for others, too.
“Failure is a part of life. Success teaches you nothing, but failure teaches you resilience.” — Sarah Morgan
“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” — Gever Tulley

Encouraging Resilience Sayings for Personal Growth

Personal growth is rarely comfortable; it’s a process of shedding old skins and embracing the unknown. I used to fear the “growing pains” of life until I realized they were just evidence of my resilience in action. Every time you push through a difficult conversation or a hard day, you’re becoming a stronger version of yourself. For those seeking mental clarity during this process, Psychology Today offers deep insights into the cognitive habits of resilient people.

“Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you are going to do right now, and do it.” — Will Durant The present moment is the only place where resilience actually happens.
“Successful people demonstrate their resilience through their dedication to making progress every day.” — Jonathan Mills
“Strong people don’t put others down. They lift them up.” — Michael P. Watson
“Our resilience increases as we recognize the magnitude of what we have already accomplished.” — Patricia O’Gorman Taking inventory of your past victories builds the confidence to face future challenges.
“People are like stained-glass windows. Their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” — Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
“Resiliency is something you do, more than something you have.” — Al Siebert
“Resilience is overcoming adversity, whilst also potentially changing or transforming aspects of that adversity.” — Angie Hart
“Resiliency is the ability to spring back from and successfully adapt to adversity.” — Nan Henderson Adaptability is the silent partner of resilience.
“Resilience or hardiness is the ability to adapt to new circumstances when life presents the unpredictable.” — Salvatore R. Maddi
“Resilience isn’t a single skill. It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms.” — Jean Chatzky
“When you are hit with life-disrupting events, you either cope or you crumble; you become better or bitter.” — Al Siebert Bitter is easier, but better is worth the effort.
“Things do not change; we change.” — Henry David Thoreau
“Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.” — Robert Gallagher
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” — Maya Angelou
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” — Margaret Mead

Motivating Grit Quotes for Athletes and Competitors

In the world of sports and competition, grit is the difference between a podium finish and a “what if.” I’ve always admired athletes who keep their heads down and their hearts open during the toughest parts of their training. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to beat your own personal best, these quotes will remind you that the struggle is where the victory is forged. If you’re working toward a specific performance target, our goal-setting quotes to achieve can help you structure your path to the finish line.

“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” — Angela Duckworth Anyone can be excited at the start. Only the gritty are still there at the end.
“Grit is not just a simple elbow-grease term for rugged persistence. It is an often invisible display of endurance.” — Sarah Lewis
“There is no failure. Only feedback.” — Robert Allen
“At various points, in big ways and small, we get knocked down. If we stay down, grit loses. If we get up, grit prevails.” — Angela Duckworth The scorecard doesn’t matter until the final whistle. Keep getting up.
“The focus on talent distracts us from something that is at least as important, and that is effort.” — Angela Duckworth
“To be gritty is to keep putting one foot in front of the other.” — Angela Duckworth
“What we eventually might accomplish may depend more on our passion and perseverance than our innate talent.” — Angela Duckworth Talent is the floor, but grit is the ceiling.
“Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.” — Angela Duckworth
“There’s no other species on the planet more adaptable than ours. We change.” — Angela Duckworth
“What ripens passion is the conviction that your work matters.” — Angela Duckworth When you find your “why,” your “how” becomes much more resilient.
“One form of perseverance is the daily discipline of trying to do things better than we did yesterday.” — Angela Duckworth
“Effort is one of those things that gives meaning to life.” — Carol Dweck
“Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn.” — Carol Dweck
“We like to think of our champions as superheroes who were born different. They are ordinary people who made themselves extraordinary.” — Carol Dweck The “overnight success” usually has a decade of grit behind it.
“Grit is refusing to give up. It’s persistence. It’s making your own luck.” — Peter Diamandis

Wise Resilience Quotes to Help You Keep Going

Wisdom often comes from the perspective of having survived what we once thought would break us. I find that when I’m overwhelmed, looking at the “big picture” helps me find the resilience I didn’t know I had. These quotes from philosophers, leaders, and thinkers serve as a gentle nudge to keep moving, even when the pace feels slow. For more on the importance of building this inner fortitude, Harvard Business Review explores why resilience is the key to thriving in modern life.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mohandas Gandhi
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts
“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm, but the one that stands in the open.” — Napoleon Hill Exposure to difficulty is exactly what creates the strength we admire in others.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else is the hardest battle.” — e. e. cummings
“The last of human freedoms is one’s ability to choose one’s attitude in a given set of circumstances.” — Viktor Frankl Frankl’s wisdom, born from the most extreme adversity, is the ultimate proof of human resilience.
“But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” — Ernest Hemingway
“The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell Resilience often looks like letting go of an old dream to make room for a new reality.
“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo—far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.” — Jodi Picoult
“If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces.” — Shane Koyczan
“It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature.” — Florence Nightingale We are biologically wired to survive. Never forget the millions of years of resilience in your DNA.
“My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon.” — Mizuta Masahide
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” — Maya Angelou
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation in which I rebuilt my life.” — J.K. Rowling

Empowering Grit Quotes for Career Success

The professional world requires a unique kind of grit—the ability to handle rejection, pivot when necessary, and stay focused on a long-term vision. I’ve had many moments in my career where I wanted to settle for “good enough,” but these quotes reminded me that greatness requires the grit to go the extra mile. If you’re building a path toward leadership, our motivational success quotes are the perfect toolkit for your professional journey.

“Grit is the persistence in following your own destiny.” — Paul Bradley Smith
“Over time, grit is what separates fruitful lives from aimlessness.” — John Ortberg
“Love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning.” — Carol Dweck A “learning” mindset makes every professional setback a valuable data point rather than a defeat.
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” — Steve Jobs
“To succeed at anything worthwhile in life requires persistence, no matter how gifted you are.” — Rich Karlgaard
“When our commitment is wavering, the best way to stay on track is to consider the progress we’ve already made.” — Adam M. Grant Look back at how far you’ve come. You didn’t get this far only to get this far.
“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” — Winston Churchill
“True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.” — John Wayne
“The sort of grit you need to scale a business is less reliant on brute force and more on determination and ingenuity.” — Meryl Streep Ingenuity is just grit that has learned to work smarter.
“Talent alone gets you nowhere. You really have to have the grit, and you gotta have a love for people.” — Dustin Poirier
“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential.” — Angela Duckworth
“It isn’t suffering that leads to hopelessness. It’s suffering you think you can’t control.” — Angela Duckworth
“At its core, the idea of purpose is the idea that what we do matters to people other than ourselves.” — Angela Duckworth Connecting your work to a larger purpose is the ultimate fuel for career grit.
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” — Angela Duckworth
“The greatest predictor of success is grit.” — Angela Duckworth

Heartfelt Resilience Quotes for Emotional Strength

Emotional resilience is perhaps the most important form of strength we can develop. It’s the ability to feel the full weight of our emotions without being crushed by them. I keep these quotes close for those days when my heart feels heavy and I need a reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable while remaining strong. For more on the science of emotional endurance, Verywell Mind offers excellent resources on building mental and emotional toughness.

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” — Elizabeth Edwards Resilience isn’t about stopping the wind; it’s about mastering the sail.
“Resilience is very different than being numb. It means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. But you keep going.” — Unknown
“We are not a product of what has happened to us in our past. We have the power of choice.” — Unknown
“Resilience is based on compassion for ourselves as well as compassion for others.” — Unknown You cannot be resilient if you are your own harshest critic. Be kind to yourself as you rebuild.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey
“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds.” — Peter Marshall
“As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the strength of the heart is developed.” — Vincent van Gogh Every struggle is a gym for your soul. You’re getting stronger, even if you don’t feel it yet.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” — Bob Marley
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King Jr. The speed doesn’t matter as much as the direction. Just keep moving.
“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.” — Elizabeth Edwards
“Remember, you’re stronger than you think.” — Unknown
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” — Christopher Reeve Heroism is just grit that has been caught in the spotlight.
“Hardship will not automatically make us better. It is resilience that makes the difference.” — Elizabeth Edwards
“She had grown up too much to be afraid anymore.” — Tatiana de Rosnay

Short Grit Quotes for Daily Inspiration

Sometimes, all we need is a short, punchy reminder to stay the course. I love keeping these bite-sized grit quotes in my journal or as phone wallpapers. They’re quick “espresso shots” of motivation that can snap me out of a slump in seconds. If you need a quick boost on other topics, our short success quotes offer similar bite-sized wisdom for your daily goals.

“Grit is choosing to hang on when you desperately want to let go.” — Unknown The last five minutes of the struggle is where the real change happens.
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming things you thought you couldn’t.” — Unknown
“I will not be outworked, period.” — Inspired by Will Smith
“Mindset is everything.” — Anonymous Your thoughts are the blueprints for your resilience. Build something strong.
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work.” — Newt Gingrich
“The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.” — Walt Disney
“If you don’t give up, you still have a chance.” — Jack Ma The only guaranteed way to fail is to stop trying.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do.” — John C. Maxwell
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
“Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go.” — Rick Warren Perspective is a choice. Choose to look at your progress.
“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.” — Winston Churchill
“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” — John Wooden
“When I was young, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. So I did ten times more work.” — George Bernard Shaw Grit is often just a numbers game. Increase your attempts to increase your success.
“Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself.” — Henry Ward Beecher
“If you fail the first time then you’ll just have to try harder the second time.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Famous Quotes on Resilience and the Human Spirit

The human spirit has an incredible capacity to endure and thrive. Throughout history, the most impactful people have been those who refused to let their circumstances dictate their future. These final quotes celebrate that indomitable part of us that keeps reaching for the light, no matter how deep the darkness.

“Grit your teeth and smile. In the face of adversity, go.” — Unknown Smiling through the struggle is a signal to your brain that you’re still in control.
“Grit is not just falling in love; it’s staying in love.” — Angela Duckworth
“Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.” — Anonymous
“Life is more about consistency than about intensity.” — Angela Duckworth Small steps every single day beat a giant leap once a year.
“Academic self-concept shapes your willingness to tackle challenges and finish difficult tasks.” — Malcolm Gladwell
“You might actually have more grit if you treat your energy as a precious commodity.” — Reid Hoffman
“Grit is the grain of character… heroism materialized.” — Edwin Percy Whipple Character isn’t what we say; it’s what we do when things get hard.
“A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” — Ernest Hemingway
“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance.” — Lee Ann Womack
“Success teaches you nothing, but failure teaches you resilience.” — Sarah Morgan Fail forward. Every mistake is a masterclass in resilience.
“Resilience is choosing to be better, not bitter.” — Al Siebert
“The willow bent when it must and survived.” — Robert Jordan
“Courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” — Mary Anne Radmacher Rest, but don’t quit. Tomorrow is a fresh start for your grit.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey
“The greatest glory in living lies in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Building resilience and grit isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong practice. I hope these words serve as a reminder that within you lies a strength that is far greater than any challenge you might face. Keep moving, keep bending, and above all, keep going.