Motivational Quotes for Middle & High School Students

Motivational quotes for teens — for studying, exams, goals and the future.

Motivational quotes for teens

1. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
2. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela (widely attributed)

Short quotes

1. “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
2. “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” — Widely attributed (no confirmed source)

Study & exam motivation

1. “Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” — Marie Curie (widely attributed)
2. “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” — Thomas Edison

Goal-setting & future

1. “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis

FAQ

What’s a realistic motivational quote for high schoolers? Mandela’s “It always seems impossible until it’s done” reframes a hard goal as do-able.

Did Edison really say “1% inspiration, 99% perspiration”? Yes — it is documented from his remarks around 1902–1903 and appears in collections of his sayings.