Having a motto to live by is a crucial step in creating a happy life. The right motto can help create a life filled with joy and purpose instead of one that leaves you feeling lost and directionless.
Of course, a life motto isn't everything—if you want to achieve your goals and dreams, you still have to put in the work. The purpose of a life motto is having a saying that you can return to again and again when you're feeling lost, frustrated, or defeated. It can serve as a strong foundation for your goals and dreams, it can ground you in the present moment, and you can journal on it or use it during meditations.
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Mottos are usually catchy, short phrases that you can easily memorize—if they're too long, it will be hard to remember them when you need them most. They can be famous quotes or general sayings, but the shorter the better—because that way, you can remember and access them any time you need them. Bonus points if you write or print out your motto in a beautiful way and frame it somewhere that you can easily see it!
Want to find the perfect life motto for you? Here are 35 ideas.
Mottos to Live By
1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
2. Life every day like it's your last.
3. Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
4. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
5. Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are.
6. If you are not obsessed with your life, change it.
7. Set some goals, then demolish them.
8. A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are for.
9. Take small steps every day.
10. If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up.
11. Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.
12. Don't sweat the small stuff
13. Will this matter a year from now?
14. Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.
15. If you are not wiling to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
16. Always find a reason to laugh.
17. What's meant to be will always find a way.
18. If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it.
19. Life is a one time offer, use it well.
20. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful.
21. We have tomorrows for a reason.
22. Your soul knows when it's on to something.
23. Eat healthy, sleep well, breathe deeply, enjoy life.
24. Some of the best things in life are mistakes.
25. Everything in life that matters requires risk.
26. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
27. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.
28. Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.
29. If for a while the harder you try the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been for the best people who ever lived.
30. Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.
31. Be who you needed when you were younger.
32. A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.
33. If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.
34. Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work.
35. What you choose to focus on becomes your reality.
How to Use a Life Motto
There's no "right" way to use a motto you want to live by, so feel free to get creative here. You can write your motto in the first page of your journal and reference it before each entry. As mentioned above, you can frame it or write it somewhere that you can easily see it. You can also repeat it to yourself while you meditate, while you're on a walk, the list goes on. The important thing is that you use your life motto (or mottos!) in a way that feels right and true to you.
Looking for more inspiration? Give these blog posts a read:
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- How to Use Your Mood Tracker
- 2 FREE Habit Tracker PDFs—Weekly and Monthly
- How to Get Started With Your Silk + Sonder
Want more prompts and quotes? Check these out:
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of personal development and positive psychology, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of crafting a meaningful and fulfilling life. My expertise extends to understanding the power of affirmations, motivational quotes, and life mottos in shaping our mindset and guiding our actions. Throughout my journey, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative effects that a well-chosen motto can have on one's outlook and overall well-being.
Now, let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article and provide insights:
Importance of Having a Life Motto
The article emphasizes the significance of having a life motto as a crucial step in creating a happy life. It suggests that the right motto can contribute to a life filled with joy and purpose, serving as a strong foundation for goals and dreams.
Purpose of a Life Motto
The purpose of a life motto is discussed as a tool to turn to during challenging times. It acts as a source of inspiration, grounding individuals in the present moment. The article suggests incorporating the motto into activities such as journaling and meditation to enhance its impact.
Characteristics of an Effective Life Motto
The article outlines characteristics that make a motto effective. Mottos are recommended to be catchy, short phrases that are easily memorizable. The importance of framing or displaying the motto in a visible place is highlighted, underlining the idea that accessibility enhances the motto's effectiveness.
Examples of Life Mottos
The article provides a list of 35 life motto ideas, ranging from motivational quotes to general sayings. Each motto encourages a positive mindset, resilience, and taking proactive steps toward personal growth. Examples include "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" and "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
How to Choose and Use a Life Motto
There's no prescribed method for choosing or using a life motto, according to the article. It encourages readers to get creative in incorporating their chosen motto into their daily lives. Suggestions include writing it in a journal, framing it, repeating it during meditation, or integrating it into daily activities.
Additional Inspirational Content
The article extends beyond life mottos, offering additional inspirational content. It includes links to blog posts on topics like bullet journaling, mood tracking, habit tracking, and getting started with self-care. Prompts and quotes are also provided for those seeking more inspiration.
Personal Development Practices
The article touches on personal development practices such as journaling, meditation, and positive affirmation. It aligns these practices with the use of a life motto, reinforcing the idea that a holistic approach to self-improvement can contribute to a more fulfilling life.
In summary, the article combines motivational wisdom with practical advice, urging readers to embrace the power of a life motto as a tool for personal growth and happiness.
