17 Powerful Quotes to Ignite a Fire Within You

Each and every one of us is filled from birth with potential. We can start that new business, we can solve that problem, we can convert that opportunity into something great.

If we focus our minds–and our time and attention–on something, we can do it. But sometimes we need to be reminded that is the case.

Here are 17 powerful quotes from visionaries, pathfinders, and everyday heroes to reignite your dreams, and help you move forward with the courage and tools you need to bring your vision to life.

1. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Maya Angelou

2. “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Kobe Bryant

3. “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” Les Brown

4. “Champions keep playing until they get it right.” Billie Jean King

5. “Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness.” George Bernard Shaw

6. “You can have it all. Just not all at once.” Oprah Winfrey

7. “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” Rob Siltanen

8. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela

9. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

10. “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong

11. “It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” Sheryl Sandberg

12. “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” Stephen Covey

13. “When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always get worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.” Malcolm S. Forbes

14. “Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.” John Wooden

15. “You shouldn’t focus on why you can’t do something, which is what most people do. You should focus on why perhaps you can, and be one of the exceptions.” Steve Case

16. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” Ella Fitzgerald

17. “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai