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What sets successful people apart from the rest of humanity?
Take a moment to think about the successful people you know. Was it their talent or skill that catapulted them to success? Were they born with the road of success already paved for them by family influence or affluence?
Most likely, the answer is no.
It is more likely that these successful people have gone through difficulties and setbacks just like the rest of us. The main difference is that most of them have one common characteristic, and that is resilience. A clinical definition of the term can be found here.
Resilience is also called grit or “hustle”.
Why is Resilience Important?
The way we deal with challenges can determine our success.
In life, we experience failures. We make errors in calculation and judgment and get the rug pulled off our feet as a consequence. Most of us never get up to try again.
Being resilient means having the courage to bounce back and take risks despite adversity and initial setbacks.
It is the essential key to success and has been used by most of the successful people you thought about earlier.
What are the qualities of a resilient person? Psychologists have determined common traits they possess. Some are listed below, and a more detailed list is found here.
Attributes of resilient people:
In this post, 107 quotes about overcoming adversities and challenges in your life have been carefully curated to help you to unlock your own ability to be resilient in the face of difficulties.
These wise words are drawn from those who have met adversity head-on and did not falter.
Today, you will read inspiring quotes about overcoming adversity, quotes about facing challenges, and quotes about strength.
Here are the inspiring quotes about overcoming adversity. May these words boost your determination to reach for your dreams.
Inspiring Quotes About Overcoming Adversity
- “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” -Molière
- “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”– Robert Kennedy
- “Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding the diamonds.”– Ana Claudia Antunes
- “One who conquers the sea today is ready to conquer the ocean tomorrow.”– Matshona Dhliwayo
- “As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
- “You'll never find a better sparring partner than adversity.”– Golda Meir
- “There’s nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.”– Woody Hayes
- “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”– Malcolm X
- “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”– Oprah Winfrey
- “We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.”– Kenji Miyazawa
- “Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight.”– Josh Billings
- “Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”– Lou Holtz
- “The broken heart. You think you will die, but you keep living, day after day after terrible day.”– Charles Dickens
- “Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.”– E.B. White
- “We don't develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”– Barbara De Angelis
“We don't develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”– Barbara De Angelis
- “Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.”– Martha Graham
- “We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.”– Lucius Anneaus Seneca
- “There is no education like adversity.”– Benjamin Disraeli
- “The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”– Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
- “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”– Chinese Proverb
- “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible.”– Francis of Assisi
What setbacks have you encountered most recently?
You may have gone through rejection. Or you may be coping with trauma from a terrible event.
Being resilient does not mean that your problems go away. However, it bestows you with the ability to see beyond the obstacles lying on your way, provides insight for you to see the bigger picture of any situation, and helps you handle stress better.
The following quotes about facing challenges remind you that overcoming those obstacles can unlock better opportunities for your personal growth and happiness.
Quotes About Facing Challenges
- “Take a limitation and turn it into an opportunity. Take an opportunity and turn it into an adventure by dreaming BIG!”– Jo Franz
- “He who doesn’t want to face his challenges shall always face challenges!”– Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
- “Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere, and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.”– Helen Keller
- “Because some people see a wall, and assume that's the end of their journey. Others see it, and decide it's just the beginning.”– Angeline Trevena
- “I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot.” – Natalie Comaneci
- “There are many people in the world who have succeeded in climbing the ladder of achievement. Some of these people have persevered throughout their career having met what appeared insurmountable obstacles yet overcame these challenges to keep moving forward.”– Byron Pulsifer
- “Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.”– Bernice Johnson Reagon
- “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”– Haruki Murakami
- “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”– Seth Godin
- “Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty.”– Henri Frederic Amiel
- “Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why. Then do it.”– Robert A. Heinlein
- “You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”– Rabindranath Tagore
- “A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it.”– Ray Davis
- “To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist.”– Gail Sheehy
- “If you are facing a new challenge or being asked to do something that you have never done before don’t be afraid to step out. You have more capability than you think you do but you will never see it unless you place a demand on yourself for more.”– Joyce Meyer
If you are facing a new challenge or being asked to do something that you have never done before don’t be afraid to step out. You have more capability than you think you do but you will never see it unless you place a demand on yourself for more.”– Joyce Meyer
- “A new challenge keeps the brain kicking and the heart ticking.”– E. A. Bucchianeri
- “Let your joy scream across the pain.”– Terri Guillemets
- “Some people will just go with the flow of things and sway in life, while others will fight against the currents and go upstream to reach their destiny.”– Anthony Liccione
- “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.”– Paulo Coelho
- “Those who wish to sing, always find a song.”– Swedish Proverb
- “It's part of life to have obstacles. It's about overcoming obstacles; that's the key to happiness.”– Herbie Hancock
- “Believe you can and you're halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle
- “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Resilience is also known as inner strength. It can get you through the most difficult of challenges you face in life.
Many successful people acknowledge the setbacks they’ve experienced as the catalyst for their determination to succeed. After experiencing failure or rejection, successful people say that they’ve become stronger because of the experience.
However, being strong does not mean always doing it all alone. It also means recognizing your limitations and asking for help when necessary.
Here are quotes about strength to help you recognize the purpose of setbacks that you encounter.
Quotes About Strength
- “Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.”– Rikkie Rogers
- “We acquire the strength we have overcome.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Strength and courage aren't always measured in medals and victories. They are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose.”– Ashley Hodgeson
- “Temper us in fire, and we grow stronger. When we suffer, we survive.”– Cassandra Clare
- “Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.”– Robert Louis Stevenson
- “Anyone can give up; it is the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone would expect you to fall apart, now that is true strength.”– Chris Bradford
- “Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don't think you can, hold on.”– James Frey
- “Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.”– Susan Gale
- “Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others … Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.”– Katherine Mansfield
- “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
- “I really believe in the old expression that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It's through adversity that you find the strength you never knew you had.”– Christie Brinkley
- “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”– Ernest Hemmingway
- “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.”– Vernon Howard
- “He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.”– Louisa May Alcott
- “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”– Marcus Aurelius
- “There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.' No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”– Dalai Lama XIV
- “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”– Mahatma Gandhi
- “My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”– Michael Jordan
My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”– Michael Jordan
- “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”– Khalil Gibran
- “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”– Christopher Reeve
- “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”– Walt Disney
- “You can't really be strong until you can see a funny side to things.”– Ken Kesey
More Quotes About Overcoming Adversity
- “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill
- “A one-talented man who decides upon a definite object accomplishes more than a ten-talented man who scatters his energies and never knows exactly what he will do.” – Orison Swett Marden
- “The extent of the struggle determines the extent of the growth. The obstacle is an advantage, not adversity. The enemy is any perception that prevents us from seeing this.” – Ryan Holiday
- “The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” – Antonio Brown
- “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
- “Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through. Face it.” – Conrad Joseph
- “Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
- “Rock bottom became the solid foundation in which I built my life.” – J.K. Rowling
- “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
- “Prosperity is no just scale; adversity is the only balance to weigh friends.” – Plutarch
- “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” – Michelle Obama
- “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” – William Arthur Ward
- “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” – Henry Ford
- “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.” – Ulysses S. Grant
- “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the “hero” within us is revealed.” – Bob Riley
- “The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability as opposed to resilience and hard work, we will be brittle in the face of adversity.” – Joshua Waitzkin
- “If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.” – William J. Clinton
- “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” – Roger Crawford
- “Life is very interesting. In the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths.” – Drew Barrymore
- “The eagle has no fear of adversity. We need to be like the eagle and have a fearless spirit of a conqueror.” – Joyce Meyer
- “The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a stepping-stone to greatness.” – Shawn Anchor
- “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan
- “Sometimes good comes through adversity. I would not be who I am today had it not been for the internment, and I like who I am.” – Ruth Asawa
- “Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “If the road is easy, you're likely going the wrong way.” – Terry Goodkind
- “Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.” – Zig Ziglar
- “In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
- “Adversity, and perseverance and all these things can shape you. They can give you a value and a self-esteem that is priceless.” – Scott Hamilton
- “Sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can.” – Becca Fitzpatrick
- “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” – Lee Iacocca
- “I haven’t always acted or reacted in a way that made me proud, but I didn’t make that same mistake twice, and I think that’s what I love about adversity is that it always reminds me of what’s really valuable in life.” – Sandra Bullock
- “Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.” – Roy T. Bennett
- “There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.” – Washington Irving
- “Adversity is always the partner of progress.” – John C. Maxwell
- “One thing about championship teams is that they’re resilient. No matter what is thrown at them, no matter how deep the hole, they find a way to bounce back and overcome adversity.” – Nick Saban
- “Turning feelings into words can help us process and overcome adversity.” – Sheryl Sandberg
- “Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” – Arthur Golden
- “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
Final Thoughts on Quotes About Overcoming Adversity
I hope that these quotes about overcoming adversity and challenges have inspired you to recognize the value of resilience.
For a bit more inspiration, take a few minutes to watch this video about not giving up:
If you loved any of the art featured in this article, a share through your favorite social media platform is appreciated.
Here’s to overcoming more challenges ahead!
And if you want more inspirational quotes, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 99 Paulo Coelho Quotes to Inspire, Uplift, and Make You Think
- 97 Moving on Quotes to Overcome Your Pain
- 63 Comfort Zone Quotes to Push Your Personal Boundaries
Finally, if you want to use these quotes to make a lasting change to your life, then check out and recite these 57 affirmations for success.
