If you are going through a difficult period in your life right now, then we hope that these inspirational quotes for hard times will uplift you and help you to deal what we will all face in our lives.
It appears that negativity is far too common these days. It comes from the 24/7 news, at work and into our daily lives.
Uplifting quotes can give us the courage to face our fears. To get back up, and get us back on track again.
I have had my fair share of challenges, and been down in the trenches. If I can be of benefit and help to just one person through the content on this site, all the hard work and research will have been worthwhile.
1). There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there……. Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho: He is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist who was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is best known for his novel called The Alchemist and he also created the Paulo Coelho Foundation.
2). Hard times, when held with open hands and a tender heart, can prepare us for the future……..Cindee Snider Re
Cindee Snider Re: She lives in Wisconsin with her husband Tony, and 5 children. Her passions include poetry, photography, and her favorite tea Earl Gray.
3). You’re going to go through tough times – that’s life. But I say, ‘Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’ See the positive in negative events……… Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen: He is an American pastor and author, who was born in Houston, Texas. His books have been ranked number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
4). Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall…..Confucius
Confucius: He was a Chinese teacher, editor, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. He is also credited with having edited many of the Chinese classic texts including all of the Five Classics.
5). Who do you spend time with? Criticizers or encouragers? Surround yourself with those who believe in you. Your life is too important for anything less………. Steve Goodier
6). Going through challenging things can teach you a lot, and they also make you appreciate the times that aren’t so challenging……Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher: She was an American actress and writer who was born in Burbank, California. She was best known for playing the part of Princess Leia in the famous Star Wars films. For this role, she was nominated for four Saturn Awards.
7). Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all………… Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie: He was a pioneer in public speaking and personality development. He became famous by showing others how to become successful. His book “How To Win Friends and Influence People” has sold more than 10 million copies and has been translated into many languages.
8). Encourage yourself, believe in yourself, and love yourself. Never doubt who you are……….. Stephanie Lahart.
Stephanie Lahart: She is an author, poet, and youth motivational speaker who lives in California. She is best known for her Black Girl quotes and Exquisite Black Queen quotes.
9). Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong… Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali: He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. He was recognized as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
10). If you feel like giving up, give up on that feeling and give in to the realization there are endless possibilities waiting to be discovered before you…..Tom Althouse
I really appreciated how this article pulled together such a wide range of powerful quotes, each paired with a bit of background that makes the wisdom feel more alive and grounded. What stood out to me is how many of these messages remind us that setbacks are not the end, but part of growth a perspective that’s easy to forget in hard times. I also like how the collection balances timeless voices like Confucius and Churchill with modern figures like Dwayne Johnson, making it relatable across generations. Out of all these, which quote do you personally turn to most often when you need that extra push to keep going?
Kavitha
Thank you for posting. Indeed setbacks are not the end, but part of one’s important growth in life.
One of my favorites is:
” There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there……. Paulo Coelho”
John
As a Christian, I found this collection deeply moving, especially the quotes from Robert Schuller, Martin Luther King Jr., and C.S. Lewis. Schuller’s reminder that “problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines” speaks so clearly to how God often uses our struggles to redirect and refine us. It’s not the end; it’s the shaping.
MLK’s words about pressing forward, no matter the pace, echo the perseverance we’re called to walk in faith. And C.S. Lewis’s insight that “hardships prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny” reminds me that God’s plans often unfold through trials, not despite them.
Thank you for curating these. They’re more than just quotes; they’re anchors for the soul in stormy seasons. I’ll be coming back to this post whenever I need a dose of courage and perspective.
Alice
Thank you for posting. So glad that you found the content an anchor for those stormy seasons. It means a lot.
John
There’s something truly powerful about seeing struggle reframed through timeless wisdom. One quote that especially stood out was from Paulo Coelho: “Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.” It’s a reminder that pain often has purpose even if we can’t see it yet. This section helped me reflect on how some of my lowest moments have shaped me the most. The brief bios of each quote’s author added another layer of meaning, showing the human depth behind the words.
Marion
Thank you for posting. It is very much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed the bios. for each quote. Makes all the work. worthwhile. I agree that low moments in life do indeed shape us the most.
John