Call them cheesy or cliché, but “follow your passion” quotes can be incredibly inspiring. They remind us of what’s possible, challenge us to dream big, and can push us to go outside our comfort zone. In fact, I love them so much that I’ve even created a Pinterest board with my favourite inspirational quotes!

So in today’s post, I wanted to share five such quotes in hopes they inspire you.

5 Follow Your Passion Quotes That Will Inspire You

#1. Mia Hamm

If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion. – Mia Hamm

This quote really rang true for me from the moment I first read it. If we aren’t passionate about what we’re doing, we won’t be able to muster the conviction to do it well or to our fullest potential.

Instead, by pursuing what we love, we’re able to tap into every part of ourselves. It allows us to truly come alive and show up as strongly as possible.

#2. Robert Ballard

Follow your own passion—not your parents’, not your teachers’—yours. – Robert Ballard

Talk about chills. When it comes to following our passion, this quote acts as a powerful reminder: don’t pursue anyone else’s passion but your own.

Depending on your upbringing, you may have naturally fallen into a pattern of believing a certain passion or path was right for you, despite it being defined by someone else. Maybe it’s even the societal pressure to follow a certain path. Or a career choice you feel you “should” feel passionate about pursuing.

But what is YOUR true passion? The thing that lights you up regardless of what others may think? That’s what you want to hone in on.

#3. Wanda Sykes

If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it. – Wanda Sykes

 

You may know her as a hilarious comedian, but Wanda Sykes inspires with this brilliant quote.

I love this one because it speaks to the power of action, and of taking that first step: “…stop wishing and just do it.” It may never feel like the right time, place, or situation to begin following your passion. But if you believe in it strongly, you should take that very first step towards realizing your dreams.

#4. Nelson Mandela

There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. – Nelson Mandela

I’m not sure about you, but this quote brings up #allthefeels for me. The concept of “playing small” is a scary one. No one wants to feel like they aren’t living up to their full potential. This quote reminds us of the sheer potential we have to realize what we have the power to accomplish.

#5. Mark Twain / Unknown

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Unknown (full scoop here)

I couldn’t write this post without including one of my favourite quotes of all time. It inspired the brand name Beyond the Safe Harbor. And the message behind it is what really motivated me to give entrepreneurship a shot.

This quote reminds us to look at the big picture and realize the importance of living life without regrets. The language is inspiring, and I find it really paints a beautiful picture of what chasing your dreams can look (and feel!) like.

There you have it: five quotes to inspire you to chase your dreams and pursue your passion!

Did I miss any of your favourites? I’d love to hear what quotes inspire you. Let me know in a comment.