Motivational Poems in English: Motivational poems give courage, wisdom, and inspiration to the readers. Today we give you some of the best Motivational Poems written by different world-known poets. Motivation is an essential part of human life, without motivation, it is difficult to do work smoothly. Motivational poems give courage and determination to face the challenges of life day to day without any fear.
Also Read: Sri Aurobindo Poems with Explanation
1-Motivational Poems in English: If You Think You Can (By Walter D. Wintle)
If you think you are beaten, you are,
you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will—
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
Explanation :
The poem “If You Think You Can” is a very inspirational poem. The poet believes that if you are confident enough to do that you will definitely succeed in life. He wants to convey that mind and thinking play a vital role in determining the success of a person’s life. He says that even in very tough situations those who are determined and confident can easily conquer come out fine.
What is the meaning of Motivation?
Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal.
2- The Road Not Taken (by Robert Frost)
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Explanation :
“The Road Not Taken” is the most famous poem written by Robert Frost. The poem revolves around the themes of decision-making and self-analyzing. poem shows the difficulty in making decisions and the unknown outcome, the poet has to choose between two paths with different outcomes. The poem gives the message of individuality and own life choices.
3-Motivational Poems in English: If (by Rudyard Kipling)
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
Explanation :
“If” by Rudyard Kipling is an evergreen and motivational poem. The poem contains a bunch of life lessons for becoming successful and a better human being. The poem teaches the readers to never lose composure in any situation, always stay true to themselves, never lose hope in any tough situation, and stay humble always, implying these teachings in your life can make you successful and help you to become a better person.
Can motivation vary in different areas of life?
Yes, motivation can vary based on different aspects of life such as career, relationships, and health.
4- Success (by Ralph Waldo Emerson)
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Explanation :
The poem “Success” by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a compact but impactful poem. The poem defines the real meaning of success. The poet says that success is not wealth and money but human behavior and personality. The poem inspires people that success is measured in intangible things and in the happiness of people.
How can I stay motivated to achieve long-term goals?
Break long-term goals into smaller milestones, track your progress, stay adaptable to changes and visualize your success.
5-Motivational Poems in English: Don’t Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When they might have won had they stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
Explanation :
“Don’t Quit” is one of the most motivational poems. The poet says that even in the most difficult situation one should not give up and always face the situation head up. The poet says that real success only comes after tough situations. Difficulties and setbacks are part of life and should not be taken to heart. The poem shows the hope and determination of the poet and wants the readers to stay committed and always give their full effort.
6-Motivational Poems in English: Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Explanation :
“Invictus” is a powerful and uplifting poem that conveys the indomitable spirit and resilience of the human soul. The speaker reflects on the challenges and hardships he has faced, emphasizing his unwavering determination and inner strength. Despite the adversities, he remains unbroken, asserting his control over his own destiny and refusing to succumb to fate.
How can I stay motivated in my daily life?
To stay motivated, set clear goals, break them into smaller tasks, and celebrate achievements.
7- Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
rise
I rise.
Explanation :
“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou is a powerful and empowering poem that celebrates resilience, strength, and confidence in the face of oppression and adversity.. It resonates with themes of overcoming racism, sexism, and discrimination, inspiring readers to rise above societal prejudices and embrace their inherent strength. Maya Angelou’s words echo the spirit of endurance and triumph, making this poem a timeless anthem of empowerment.
8-Motivational Poems in English: Say what you will
Say what you will, and scratch my heart to find
The roots of last year’s roses in my breast;
I am as surely riper in my mind
As if the fruit stood in the stalls confessed.
Laugh at the unshed leaf, say what you will,
Call me in all things what I was before,
A flutterer in the wind, a woman still;
I tell you I am what I was and more.
My branches weigh me down, frost cleans the air,
My sky is black with small birds bearing south;
Say what you will, confuse me with fine care,
Put by my word as but an April truth,—
Autumn is no less on me that a rose
Hugs the brown bough and sighs before it goes.
Explanation :
“What You Will” by Sara Teasdale is a poem that reflects on the ephemeral nature of life and the acceptance of fate. The poem conveys a sense of surrender to the unknown, acknowledging that life’s course is beyond our control. Teasdale invites readers to embrace the uncertainties of existence, finding solace in the acceptance of whatever may come.
What are some common motivation killers?
Common motivation killers include self-doubt, fear of failure, negative environments and lack of clear goals.
9- The Man Who Thinks He Can
If you think you are beaten, you are,
you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will.
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.
Explanation :
This poem emphasizes the power of positive thinking and self-belief. It conveys the message that success begins with a strong and confident mindset, highlighting the importance of believing in oneself to achieve one’s goals and overcome challenges.
10-Motivational Poems in English: Champion
We are listening
To the best of the bird
Waxing musical
We are seeing
The best of the bird
Waving champion
Amalgamation of feathers
As phenomenal wings
Available to fully
Fit into the niche
For the best
Of rocketing flight
Beyond the Milky Way
Explanation :
“The Champion” is a motivational poem that celebrates the qualities of a true champion. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of challenges. The poem encourages readers to rise above obstacles, keep pushing forward, and never give up. It highlights the strength that comes from within and the mindset needed to overcome difficulties.
How can I find motivation when I’m feeling demotivated?
Reflect on your goals and reasons for pursuing them, seek inspiration from others, and break tasks into smaller and manageable steps.
11- Believe In Yourself
Believe in yourself
to the depth of your being.
Nourish the talents
your spirit is freeing.
Know in your heart
when the going gets slow
That your faith in yourself
will continue to grow.
Don’t forfeit ambition
when others may doubt.
It’s your life to live
to live it throughout!
Learn from your errors
don’t dwell in the past.
Never withdraw
from a world that is vast.
Believe in yourself;
to find the best that is you.
Let your spirit prevail
to steer a course that is true.
Explanation :
The poem “Believe In Yourself” emphasizes the power of self-belief and positive thinking. It speaks to the importance of inner strength, resilience, and determination. By trusting in oneself and cultivating a positive mindset, the poem suggests that individuals can overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and lead a successful and fulfilling life.
12-Motivational Poems in English: The Will to Win
If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it
If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry and cheap for it
If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,
If gladly you’ll sweat for it,
Fret for it,
Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,
If you’ll simply go after that thing that you want,
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,
If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You’ll get it!
Explanation :
“The Will to Win” is a motivational poem by Berton Braley that emphasizes the importance of determination, persistence, and a positive mindset in achieving success. The poem conveys the message that the will to win is crucial and often determines the outcome of one’s endeavors. It speaks to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the refusal to give up in the face of challenges.
Can motivation be learned or improved?
Yes, motivation can be learned and improved through self-reflection, setting meaningful goals and developing positive habits.
There are some of the best Motivational poems written by world-famous poets. Stay tuned for more great poems and updates.