Imposter syndrome—a common psychological phenomenon that makes you feel like a fraud and doubt your abilities—can stop you in your tracks quickly. And according to research, it’s a very real condition, affecting a significant portion of the population across age groups and demographics. Ironically, it’s typically experienced by otherwise high-achieving individuals—like athletes—and can lead to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, which can ultimately hold you back from your goals.
If these feelings start to creep in and threaten to thwart your own personal goals, athletic or otherwise, the right self-confidence quotes can help give you the boost you need to put one foot in front of the other with your chin up.
“We need motivation to quickly counteract the negative self-talk in our heads,” explains Leslie Dobson, PsyD, a clinical and forensic psychologist. “Motivational quotes are a great distraction, and they direct our minds out of our internal world, forcing us to read or hear the quote, and giving us a positive emotion and feeling of hope to grab onto,” she explains. “When we do that, we increase our momentum, and in turn increase our motivation once again.”
Below, more than four dozen self-confidence quotes to motivate and empower you, including many from Peloton's top-tier fitness instructors, who are experts in helping you bring your A-game.
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50 Inspiring Self-Confidence Quotes
“You did not wake up to be mediocre.” —Peloton instructor Robin Arzón
“I am, I can, I will, I do.” —Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole
“There’s no limit to what you can do.” —Peloton instructor Adrian Williams
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe
“You can’t hate yourself into change. Love yourself into greatness.” —Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell
“We’re all about progress, not perfection.” —Peloton instructor Selena Samuela
“You are a rockstar. Treat yourself accordingly.” —Peloton instructor Hannah Corbin
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” —Fred DeVito
“Bring it. Build it. Become it.” —Peloton instructor Sam Yo
“Don’t be defined by other people’s expectations. Define your own strengths.” —Peloton instructor Susie Chan
“Embrace the beauty of uncertainty. It’s a place of infinite possibility.” —Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin
“Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.” —Jack Nicklaus
“If you think you can’t, change your mind.” —Peloton instructor Denis Morton
“Believe in yourself, and you’re halfway there.” —Peloton instructor Callie Gullickson
“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” —Thomas Edison
“What you have to give, the world needs.” —Peloton instructor Aditi Shah
“Everything you could possibly ever want, have, or need is right here inside of you.” —Kristin McGee
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” —Helen Keller
“Rise up and greet your higher self.” —Kendall Toole
“The numbers do not define you.” —Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole
“Never give up because great things take time.” —Peloton instructor Adrian Williams
“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” —Anna Freud
“You are not enough. You are everything!” —Peloton instructor Matty Maggiacomo
“Don’t compare your chapter one with someone else’s chapter six.” —Peloton instructor Ally Love
“Acknowledge the fear and do it anyway.” —Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell
“Trust that you are doing it right.” —Peloton instructor Chelsea Jackson Roberts
“Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” —Michelle Obama
“Put your crown back on your head and remember who you are.” —Peloton instructor Robin Arzón
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
“They can knock you down, but they can never knock you out.” —Kendall Toole
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” —Michael Jordan
“You’re allowed to be a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same damn time.” —Peloton instructor Jess Sims
“Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.” —Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint
“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will.” —Venus Williams
“Challenge yourself, and be determined to thrive.” —Peloton instructor Becs Gentry
“If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.” —Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Sometimes you have to fight more than once to win it.” —Peloton instructor Bradley Rose
“Can I do this? Absolutely!” —Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby
“Dream it. Believe it. Receive it.” —Peloton instructor Selena Samuela
“The difference between try and triumph is a little ‘umph.’” —Marvin Phillips
“Own your body. Challenge your mind.” —Peloton instructor Hannah Frankson
“Look for balance but always be willing to fall.” —Peloton instructor Anna Greenberg
“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.” —Arthur Ashe
“Don’t let anyone dim your light. You were born to shine, baby!” —Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson
“Experience your own resilience.” —Peloton instructor Mariana Fernández
“Don’t rely on compliments for confidence.” —Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole
“I am Superman. And the only thing that can kill Superman is Kryptonite. And Kryptonite doesn’t exist.” —Shaquille O'Neal
“Feel good. Look good. Do better! … Trust the process.” —Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint
“Limits only exist in your mind. If you want, you can do so much more.” —Tobias Heinze
“Self-confidence is contagious.” —Stephen Richards
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How Can Self-Confidence Quotes Inspire and Empower You?
In our daily lives, we often encounter stress and engage in comparison with others, which can rear up imposter syndrome or leave us feeling stuck. “This can be emotionally draining, leading to a cycle where we’re not fully present or feeling good about ourselves,” explains licensed therapist Rachel Goldberg, founder of Rachel Goldberg Therapy in Los Angeles. “What a confidence-boosting quote does is first, it slows us down, creating a moment of presence and introspection.”
When a particular quote really resonates with us, “it activates a part of our brain linked to self-processing and self-worth, enhancing our sense of competence and reminding us of our value,” Goldberg says. A 2016 study on positive self-affirmations found that this brain activity can actually predict changes in behavior consistent with the affirmation, such as engaging in physical activity, she adds. It’s important to note, however, that for this to be effective, we must genuinely slow down and connect with the quote, rather than just skimming it while multitasking.
For a consistent stream of confidence-boosting quotes that might resonate with you, check out the Peloton App. You’ll find tons of classes that are jam-packed with empowering quotes to help you crush your sweat session and realize your ultimate potential (both during and after your workout).
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician for questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. If you are having a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
