Call it a mantra, motto, or catchphrase – a single word on mental repeat can give you the motivation to overcome anything. From a big presentation, to a tough assignment, to a 10K race, if you’re on the hunt for something to empower and uplift you, try one of these 15 inspiring words.
Actualize
Verb: Make a reality of.
Success is in your grasp when you focus in on this impressive word, meaning to bring about or reach your goals by effort, skill, or courage.
Catalyst
Noun: A person or thing that precipitates an event.
This science-minded word refers to a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, but it’s also common parlance for anything related to change. This catalyst might be just what you need to kick yourself into gear.
Dauntless
Adjective: Showing fearlessness and determination.
Dig deep and embrace your inner courage. After following through with a task that intimidates you, you’ll be described as dauntless.
Rectitude
Noun: Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Hold firm in your beliefs, and you’ll be expressing your rectitude. No matter what, this is a good word to hold yourself accountable.
Sedulous
Adjective: (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence.
This one’s got staying power. "Sedulous" means to be diligent in application or attention, persevering, even when you encounter difficulty that can delay your success.
Vanquish
Verb: Defeat thoroughly.
Conquer your fears, doubts, haters — whatever! This battle-ready word means to take control over or successfully overcome a problem or weakness.
Eminence
Noun: Fame or recognized superiority, especially within a particular sphere or profession.
It’s okay to pat yourself on the back. If the end result is what inspires you, think about all the glory, accolades, and acclaim you can bask in when all’s said and done.
Probity
Noun: The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
It’s not worth it unless it’s done right. Whatever your goal, do it with probity, and by maintaining your integrity.
Gumption
Noun: Shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness.
They said no? Let every fiber of your being say "YES" back, by reminding yourself to proceed with gumption, or with nerve and initiative.
Ameliorate
Verb: Make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.
Perfection wasn’t achieved in a day. This week, seek to be just a little bit better by reminding yourself to ameliorate your situation.
Audacity
Noun: A willingness to take bold risks.
Have the courage to do something different, bold, or downright daring this week. No matter how big or small the challenge, this thrilling word is a great pick to tap into your wild side.
Conceptualize
Verb: Form a concept or idea of (something)
Knowing where you want to go can make it that much easier to get there. Conceptualize a future possibility, and it may be yours sooner than you think.
Impetus
Noun: The force that makes something happen or happen more quickly.
This word refers to the force or energy with which your body moves, as well as the force that makes something happen more quickly. Whichever definition you pick is a great motivator to make things happen.
Fixity
Noun: The state of being unchanging or permanent.
Sometimes motivation is about encouraging yourself not to do something. Enter fixity: control exerted to restrain your impulses. From quitting smoking, or passing on that mid-afternoon snack break, celebrate your strength of will.
Credence
Noun: Belief in or acceptance of something as true.
Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to reach your goals. Credence, meaning belief as to the truth of something, reminds you to seek the good in intentions.