5 Inspirational quotes in English for when the going gets tough

There is a famous expression in English: When the going gets tough, the tough get going – meaning when the situation becomes difficult, the strong will work harder to meet the challenge. Sometimes, when we are in a tough situation, inspirational quote or saying can help us calm down and focus on what we need to do. Here are five famous quotes from wise people that will help you keep going even when things get tough.

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters to what lies within us. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

This quote is great for helping us keep perspective. It means that what seem like big or difficult things in our lives are small compared to the determination and ability within us.

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)

The main meaning of this quote is that we should never give up, even when things are really tough. It’s only if we can keep trying even when things seem impossible that we can achieve something truly amazing.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. (Confucius)

Confucius gave us many inspirational quotes but this one is particularly appropriate for anyone learning a language. It means that failing or making mistakes is natural and it’s the determination to carry on and what we learn from those mistakes that’s important.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and more with EF English Live Get started for free

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the best public speakers there has ever been in English. This quote means that we can learn more about a person by how he or she behaves in difficult situations than comfortable ones. A useful reminder to stick with what we believe in, even if times are tough.

Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. (Christopher Robin to Pooh – A.A.Milne)

Sometimes we just need someone to tell us that we already have the courage and ability we need to get through a difficult situation. This quote from a famous children’s book is a useful reminder of that.

Next time you are in a difficult situation, remember these quotes and use them to help overcome your challenges.