quotes being strong

61+ Quotes About Being Strong w/ Images [Updated 2019]

Here are our favorite quotes about being strong with images to help you through tough times and adversity. You can find strength in yourself, your friendships, and your relationships.

Quotes about Being Strong Through Hard Times

1. Hemingway says adversity can build strength

quote about being strong - "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places." - Ernest Hemingway

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. As we go through the many struggles and trials of life, it can be uplifting to remember that obstacles aren’t meaningless problems but rather challenges that will prepare us for an uncertain tomorrow. Take some comfort and peace of mind that your pain will help you grow both physically and emotionally as you face life’s troubles.

2. The world is your training grounds

quote about being strong - "The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong." - Swami Vivekananda

“The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.” – Swami Vivekananda

We are constantly being tested by our surroundings. The daily changes in our work, relationships, and thoughts serve to strengthen our mind, body, and soul. The world is both your training gym and proving ground. Wake up each morning ready to take on the world because you’re stepping into the biggest gymnasium of them all.

3. Be confident with your decisions

quotes being strong - Vernon Howard "A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep."

“A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” – Vernon Howard

It’s extremely good to have reliable friends who can hold you down in the most dire situations. However you must remember that your life and consequences are the fruits of your actions so take responsibility for the choices that you make. We often reap what we sow so be thoughtful in your intentions. Take some time to focus on yourself and worry less about what your peers, especially the negative ones, may think or say.

4. It’s OK to ask for help

quotes being strong - Cesar Chavez "You are never strong enough that you don't need help."

“You are never strong enough that you don’t need help.” – Cesar Chavez

Sometimes asking for help is the most difficult thing to do. We all go through tough times and often need friends to offer sympathy and condolences to help us through our darkest days. It’s easier to provide help to people if you’re willing to accept it from them too.

5. Know yourself and know your strengths

quotes being strong - Lao Tzu "He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty."

“He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.” – Lao Tzu

Sometimes you need to take time to focus on yourself. Find out what your flaws are and how you interact with the world. Are you helping or hurting those that are closest to you? Often fixing yourself comes before being able to help others. Look deep inside and accept who you are – flaws can always be redeemed.

Related Post: Motivational Quotes for Work [Images & FREE eBook]

6. Find strength in your friends

quotes being strong - Tecumseh "A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong."

“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.” – Tecumseh

Stick together on your journey through this world (pun intended). Find strength in your friends, family, and memories. It’s often in our weakest moments that we need to draw strength from the people we love deeply.

7. Be calm, confident, and bold in your actions

quotes being strong - Paula Radcliffe "You can be strong and true to yourself without being rude or loud."

“You can be strong and true to yourself without being rude or loud.” – Paula Radcliffe

Being the most aggressive person doesn’t necessarily make you the strongest person. In our society and media, dominant and loud personalities are often seen in a favorable light and viewed as strength. You can choose to be strong and certain without being rude or disagreeable to your fellow man.

8. Challenges and setbacks make us stronger

quotes being strong - William Ellery Channing "Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict."

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” – William Ellery Channing

We gain strength by working through resistance. Think about how weights at a gym works. The heavier the burden and the more difficult the hurdles that you have to overcome will ultimately make you a stronger person. Where there is no resistance, there is often little growth.

9. Finish strong

quotes being strong - Usain Bolt "There are better starters than me but I'm a strong finisher."

“There are better starters than me but I’m a strong finisher.” – Usain Bolt

It’s easy to get into the mindset of wanting quick victories and instant gratification. Champions, however, often work hard over many years to achieve the status they have. Where you finish and the journey that you take to that “finish line” is more important that how and where you start in life.

Related Post: 51+ Inspirational Quotes about Life and Struggles w/ Images

10. Focus on what you’re good at

quotes being strong - Simon Sinek "Spending too much time focused on others' strengths leaves us feeling weak. Focusing on our own strengths is what, in fact, makes us strong."

“Spending too much time focused on others’ strengths leaves us feeling weak. Focusing on our own strengths is what, in fact, makes us strong.” – Simon Sinek

Nobody is good at everything. If you keep comparing your weakest traits to other’s strengths you’ll be constantly putting yourself down. Try to be inspired by the strength of others while also giving yourself credit for the skills that you possess.

You can also see a great TED Talk from Simon about how great leaders inspire action.

11. Dream big and go after it

quotes being strong - James Naismith "Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals."

“Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.” – James Naismith

Reach for the stars. Big dreams start from humble beginnings, and we need to keep fit in both body and mind in order to reach them. Get some exercise regularly for your body and feed your brain healthy information to grow stronger each day.

12. Find your inner strength

quotes being strong - Pythagoras "Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body."

“Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body.” – Pythagoras

Make sure that your moral compass is in check and your soul at peace before you begin to build a strong body or exterior. Everything streams from our inner intentions and fortitude.

13. Find power through adversity

quotes being strong - Frank Harris "Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up against the wind."

“Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up against the wind.” – Frank Harris

Strong people and winners rise to the occasion. It’s often in the most challenging and dire situations that the champions are separated form the chump. Take every hardship as a test for you to rise above and become more than you were yesterday.

14. The truth will set you free

quotes being strong - Charles Dickens "There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth."

“There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.” – Charles Dickens

The market is always right and the truth can sometimes hurt. Respect reality and take it for what it is. The more that we delude ourselves into thinking something of could have been or should have been, the less energy we have to deal with what can be.

15. You have to believe in what you’re doing

quotes being strong - James Freeman Clarke "Strong convictions precede great actions."

“Strong convictions precede great actions.” – James Freeman Clarke

Most dreamers take a lifetime to see their goals achieved. A memorable example of this is Kentucky Friend Chicken’s owner having success in his 60s after years of trials and hardships. It will be your conviction and passion that will pull you and your dreams through hard times.

16. There is strength in kindness

quotes being strong - Anthony J DAngelo "Have a strong mind and a soft heart."

“Have a strong mind and a soft heart.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

Being empathetic to both your friends and your enemies doesn’t necessarily make you a weaker person. Having a “soft” heart that is very empathetic to others can be a great strength as it leads to a better understanding of yourself and your loved ones.

17. Be optimistic about your mission

quotes being strong- Victor Hugo "Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause."

“Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.” – Victor Hugo

Truly strong people who are at peace with themselves don’t fly off the handle. Stay composed and make an assertive and rational decision in heated moments.

18. Obstacles can show us the way

quotes being strong - Susan Gale "Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness."

“Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” – Susan Gale

The biggest challenges in our lives will also be our biggest opportunities to rise above. Out mental and physical strengths are tested consistently, and the more difficult the challenge, the more thorough the “test”

19. Become strong through resistance

quotes being strong - Arnold Schwarzenegger "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

It’s difficult to become “better” when you’re already the “best”. We progress the most struggles and hardships as it pushes us out of our comfort zone to grow both physically and mentally. Remember that with every loss comes a lesson for a future win.

20. Suffering can make us stronger

quotes being strong - Helen Keller "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

Character and grit cannot be given, it can only be earned. With every setback that we face, we’re given a chance to strengthen our resolve or wallow in defeat. Your soul with become stronger with every trial and will hopefully transform you into a more centered individual.

21. Forget about easy mode

quotes being strong - John F Kennedy "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men."

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” – John F Kennedy

Stop trying to find the “easy mode”. Most games, like life, is more enjoyable on a harder difficulty. Instead of looking for a weaker route through life, try to become a stronger player that can take on any path.

22. Strength comes from within

quotes being strong - Mahatma Gandhi "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Strength comes in many forms and shapes. I believe that we should respect all kinds of strength and understand the nuances and differences between them. It takes a lot of physical strength to lift a 500lb weight, and it also takes a lot of mental strength to train hard enough to lift a 500lb weight.

23. Pain teaches us to endure

quotes being strong - Friedrich Nietzsche "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

I’m not sure if I can completely agree with this quote on being strong. I think there are many pains and heartbreaks that make us stronger, more understanding people such as breakups in relationships. I also think that there is often many forms of pain that are unnecessary such submitting to an abusive relationship.

24. Drinking doesn’t hurt (jk)

quotes being strong - Nishan Panwar "Pain makes you stronger. Tears make you braver. Heartbreak makes you wiser. And vodka makes you not remember any of that crap."

“Pain makes you stronger. Tears make you braver. Heartbreak makes you wiser. And vodka makes you not remember any of that crap.” – Nishan Panwar

Here’s a funny one in the mix of all this serious talk. The truth is that heartbreaks usually do make you wiser, truly scarring that misstep in your mind.

25. Have confidence with the cards you were dealt

quotes being strong - you were given this life

“You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.” – Unknown

Have faith that you have been given the tools and strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. Things happen for a reason, and we often cannot see setbacks as learning experiences while we’re in them.

26. Learn to forgive

quotes being strong - "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness is an incredibly difficult thing to do. To be able to let go of past pain and setbacks caused by others takes an incredible amount of strength and sympathy. Most harmful acts and painful experiences are are created out of ignorance and shouldn’t be taken in as malice.

27. Become stronger through challenges

quotes being strong - Khalil Gibran "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran

People who overcome hard challenges emerge stronger and many champions have to face incredible setbacks to get to the top. Experiences are essentially traces and scars of our mind.

28. We can all be heroes

quotes being strong - Christopher Reeve "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve

The strength to persevere is incredibly trait to have. It’s incredible to see people such as Christopher Reeve face incredible hardship (in his example paralysis) and push on despite the odds towards a solution.

29. Appreciate the struggles in your life

quotes being strong - Oprah Winfrey "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength."

“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” – Oprah Winfrey

In the same way that we get physically stronger by lifting weights at the gym, we can train our minds through similar resistance such as stepping out of our comfort zone or pushing out mental limits.

30. Believe in yourself

quotes being strong - Rita Mero "I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person."

“I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.” – Rita Mero

Have some confidence that the universe works in mysterious ways. Most things happen for a reason and most pain will be useful in making you a stronger person in the future.

31. Strong people endure

“Tough times never last but tough people do.” – Robert H. Schuller

Markets will swings and economies will go through depressions. Strong and determined people will last through both and persevere on ahead.

32. You’re stronger than you think

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” – A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

It’s easy for us to become negative and look at our faults. Try to stay positive and give yourself a break from time to time.

33. Believe in your efforts

quotes being strong Ralph Waldo Emerson “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”

“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s been said that the harder you work the luckier you get right? Luck and chance is something that we have little if no control over. Hustle, however, we have 100% control over. We can’t decide what cards were dealt, but we can definitely decide how to play them

34. Don’t stop now

quotes being strong Muhammad Ali “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

“Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”  – Muhammad Ali

Pain is temporary but loss and regret last forever. Cherish your pain and honor your grief as they all play a vital part of your success. No champion emerges without scars and setbacks. Would you really want to root for anyone who’s been down and easy, pampered road?

35. Hard times will pass

quotes being strong - Thomas Fuller “It's always darkest before the dawn.”

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.” – Thomas Fuller

It’s often in our darkest moments and most painful experiences that we make our most profound realizations. Have some faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that we were given enough strength to endure the journey to the end.

36. Have the courage to push on

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

Rarely is a setback the end of everything. Most of our hurdles and challenges are only temporary moments on the road towards success. Champions set themselves apart through their dedication, strength, conviction, and relentless pursuit of their goal.

37. Look out for others

quotes being strong - Roy T Bennett “The strongest people find the courage and caring to help others, even if they are going through their own storm.”

“The strongest people find the courage and caring to help others, even if they are going through their own storm.” – Roy T. Bennett

Strong leaders are often defined by how much they put the needs and wants of their followers before their own. It is common to go after what you want. It takes true wisdom and conviction to empathize and help your fellow human achieve their goals.

38. Inspire your friends and family

quotes being strong - Michael P Watson “Strong people don't put others down... They lift them up.”

“Strong people don’t put others down… They lift them up.” – Michael P. Watson

They say iron sharpens iron and people are the very similar. Strong people, whether they are comrades or competitors, bring out the best in us. It’s often the most confident people who can spare time to help build others up.

39. Re-think what failure really is

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

Failure is very subjective. The road to success is often a winding path with many bumps and treacherous paths. Having a strong mindset to understand that your failures are inevitable part of your success will help you push on in times of pain and setbacks.

40. Don’t give up on yourself

quotes being strong - George Eliot “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

Don’t give up on your dreams. While you may never achieve everything that you set out to do, it’s never too late to go after them. Have the strength and determination to start moving in the direction of your dreams without the expectation of “needing” to get there one day.

41. Be resourceful

quotes being strong - Theodore Roosevelt “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Conditions are never perfect, and they likely never will be. You can’t control what world you were born to nor what resources are openly available to you. You are, however, in complete control of what you choose to do with those resources. Be grateful for what you have and push forward creatively towards what you want.

42. Follow your heart

quotes being strong - Eleanor Roosevelt “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

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

There will always be naysayers and non-believers. Some of them may also be very correct in their analysis and criticism of your actions. Surround yourself with people you trust and those who believe in you. Take their feedback to heart and let their support be a source of your strength through life.

43. Find strength within yourself

quotes being strong - Ralph Waldo Emerson “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The past cannot be changed and the future cannot be controlled. How we choose to deal and feel about each day is incredibly vital to our happiness and well-being. The continued mission to seek inner strength for us will hopefully have a profound effect in our happiness as well as the happiness of those around us.

44. Don’t allow others to make you feel weak

quotes being strong - Haruki Murakami “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” – Haruki Murakami

We can’t control the curveballs that life will inevitably throw our way. Everyone will experience profound pain. This pain can come from the loss of a job, loss of a loved one, loss of an expectation, and countless other losses. How much we suffer, and how much we let this unavoidable pain affect our daily decisions and our personal happiness in up to us. We have strength in ourselves and strength from friends and family to help us cope with loss too.

45. Learn from your mistakes

quotes being strong - Oprah Winfrey “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” – Oprah Winfrey

We often forget that pain is an incredible teacher. Touch a hot stove once and you will likely never touch it again. Understand that pain and wounds will eventually become strength and wisdom if you allow them.

46. Find strength in the darkness

quotes being strong - Martin Luther King Jr “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Sometimes we can only appreciate what we have when our comforts are taken away. When you are filled with unimaginable doubt and darkness is often when you realize who and what you can truly rely on. Times of strife and pain often allow us to separate the essential from the trivial.

47. Try again, stronger this time

quotes being strong - Albert Einstein “You never fail until you stop trying.”

“You never fail until you stop trying.” – Albert Einstein

Every problem, challenge and setback is just progress until you give up. Finding the strength to push on is essential as any goal worth achieving is often filled with hurdles and difficult challenges. Take root, have confidence, and push forward towards your goals with the knowledge that failure is often just a part of the process.

Related Post: 88+ Positive Quotes for the Day [Images & Updated 2018]

Quotes about strength and perseverance

Hardships and difficult times are just a part of life that we all must go through. Try to learn from your failures and become stronger emotionally as you persevere. Tough times never last forever and with enough patience and determination you’ll be able to make it through.

quotes about strength image

48.  Just keep moving forward however you can, and you’ll get to your destination.

quotes about strength mlk

“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.

49. Until you’re tested, you won’t know who strong you can be on your own.

quotes about strength choice

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley

Related Post: 28+ Uplifting Quotes for Hard Times w/ Images

Being strong on your own

Life can definitely have tough days and were constantly challenged with obstacles. Here are some fun insights and thoughts about staying strong to help you through those road bumps.

50. Having strong character will carry you through many of life’s hardships with grace.

quotes about strength character

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as to think.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

51. You must maintain good health if you want to make strong and clear decisions.

quotes about strength health

To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha

52. Adversity comes to test all of us. Strong people will arise from them stronger and more determined.

quotes about strength adversity

“Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.” – Martha Graham

53. Conquer your goals. Make sure that they are challenging or else they won’t feel rewarding at all.

quotes about strength conquer goals

“We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve.” – Maxwell Maltz

54. Blood and sweat is often the price you pay for strength.

quotes about strength blood and sweat

“Blood, sweat and respect. First two you give. Last one you earn – Dwayne Johnson

55. A strong warrior will use time to his or her advantage.

quotes about strength warriors

– Leo Tolstoy

56. If you can learn to be strong on your own then it won’t matter how chaotic the world around you is.

quotes about being strong on your own

– Goi Nasu

57. Believe in yourself and respect your self worth.

quotes about strength self worth

– Mel Robbins

58. “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo

59. “Don’t pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Bruce Lee

60. “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” – Stephen Hawking

61. “Stand up for what you believe in even if it means standing alone” – Andy Biersack

Quotes about being strong video

A short video with quotes and thoughts on strength, hardships, and perseverance. We hope you can use this to give yourself some strength as you push through today’s challenges.

Stay strong and find your inner strength

We believe in you. Life is going to through challenges to test you all the time. Dig deep and push through the darkness and you’ll surely find the light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that everyone has bad days and it’s important to remain strong through tough times. Stay motivated and inspired throughout your everyday life with these uplifting quotes and sayings!

Stay resilient friends and remember that you can overcome life’s challenges,

Bb