They may seem cliché, but motivational quotes really can inspire you to become the best person that you can be.

Why Quotes Work

Motivational quotes work because of the person who spoke or wrote the quote. You are awe-inspired by baseball players, celebrities and even business leaders. It is only natural to take notice when they give a quote. Usually, it is a well thought out comment about a specific topic or incident. Sometimes, their quotes have been written by professional speech writers. It is a statement that resounds with the public that makes it famous.

Quotes also are useful because they promote key messages. Some of the topics can include winning at sports, success in the business world, love and so on. Especially in the work place, quotes seem to unite the departments with a strong sense of purpose. Team leaders employ the use of quote to motivate the staff to perform at a level of excellence.

Famous Sports Quotes

Vince Lombardi, legendary head coach of the Green Bay Packers, won five league championships during his nine year stint.  He has been credit with many motivation quotes including the following: “Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price."

The comparison of sports and work has many parallels. Strategies and execution are planned with the leader (or coach) and the players (business associates). Both want to win, whether it is a game or to be the prominent leader in an industry.

Quotes from Famous Business Executives

The business community has also recorded famous quotes. Among them, Lee Iacocca stands out for many reasons. He is the American businessman known for the turnaround of the declining Chrysler Corporation in the 1980s. He said: “Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can’t be two people.  Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people. This is true. A workforce that is motivated and committed to bringing the best service and/or products to its customers will achieve great results.

Founder and co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, Mark Victor Hansen frequently has his motivation quotes published. He stresses the importance of just going for your goals: “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions.  So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” Too many times, you wait at work to ask to lead a project or be given additional responsibilities.  Be proactive and create your own success.

Usages of Quotes

Motivation quotes are used in speeches, in high school and college papers and on plaques that adorn the walls of your office.