• Lifestyle

by Kandia Johnson

May 14, 2018

20 Best Motivational and Inspirational Quotes From Black Leaders and Influencers

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What does it mean to live a “good life”? Whether it’s traveling to an exotic destination, living debt-free, waking up at 5 a.m. to meditate, or simply having the freedom to plan your day—living the good life is all about your perspective. Here are 20 of the best motivational and inspirational quotes by black influencers, including some of our favorite writers, performers, entrepreneurs, and more.

20 of the Best Motivational and Inspirational Quotes by Black Influencers

“Focus on solutions. Focus on gratitude and everything that you have working in your advantage. Understand that as a creative you are not limited to artistic expressions of creativity. Get creative with ways to generate more money. You can wallow in sorrow or get to creating solutions, both take energy and it’s up to you to decide which one you want to put your energy into.” ―Tonya Rapley, Millennial money expert and founder of My Fab Finance.

“Release and detach from every person, every circumstance, every condition, and every situation that no longer serves a divine purpose in your life. All things have a season, and all seasons must come to an end. Choose a new season, filled with purposeful thoughts and activities.” ―Iyanla Vanzant, Life Coach and Inspirational Speaker

“I mean, I know when I’m having a fat day and when I’ve lost weight. I accept all of the bodies. I’m not built like a Victoria’s Secret girl, and I still feel very beautiful and confident in my lingerie.” ―Rihanna, Singer and Philanthropist, on her new lingerie line

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to not really worry what people will say or think about what you wear. You have to wear what feels good on you, what you feel comfortable in. And I’ve just learned to not really care.” ―Dwyane Wade, NBA Champion

“All the people in your life are truly doing the best they can with what they have. People can only love you to the capacity that they are able to love themselves. They can only forgive and embrace you to the capacity that they are able to forgive and embrace themselves. They can only give you what they have the capacity to give. You may think that you deserve more, and you may be correct. But that means nothing if a person simply doesn’t have the ability to give it to you.” ―Lisa Nichols, Author of “No Matter What!: 9 Steps to Living the Life You Love”

“Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.” ―Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author of “We Should All Be Feminists”

“Strength isn’t always shown by what you can hold on to, but sometimes it’s shown in what you can let go of.” ―Trent Shelton, Motivational Speaker

“I realized that I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.” ―Kerry Washington, Actress
 

“Until we forgive ourselves, we will always see ourselves through the shattered pieces of the dreams we can no longer have. Nothing can be seen clearly through broken pieces: no future, no hope, no faith, no love is capable of being seen properly until we admit that we are driving on a flat tire. We have to stop believing that just because we are damaged we are irreparably broken.” ―Sarah Jakes, Author of “Lost and Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life”

“Avoid being your own enemy.”  ―Eric Thomas, Motivational Speaker and Author

“I am not asking everyone to be activists. I am not asking everyone to march on the front lines. I am not asking every writer, public figure, or celebrity to lead social movements. I am not asking them to make speeches on how they have a dream. I am, however, challenging people not to stay silent as the world crumbles. You do not have to yell. Even a whisper of truth matters in an echo chamber of lies.” ―Luvvie Ajayi, Author of “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual”

“Your definition of a good life does not have to look like everyone else thinks it should. Whatever feels right for you, whatever aligns your inside with your outside, that’s what you should spend your time doing.” —G.G. Renee Hill, Coach, Author, and Blogger of “All the Many Layers”  

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint—and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” —Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul

“Ordinary can’t possibly be extraordinary without taking risk. You have to learn to be uncomfortable with being comfortable to truly reach your highest potential.” —Necole Kane, Founder of xoNecole 

“People always ask me how I did (do) it….you know what’s the strategy? My answer is pretty simple: I just do what feels good. Key word: DO. That’s just past ‘thinking about it’ and way past ‘asking others’ what I should do.” —Myleik Teele, Founder of CurlBOX

“There is no happiness without action. There is no love without passion. There is no success without vision.” —Rob Hill Sr., Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and Philanthropist

“Leadership reputations are made or lost in times of crisis.” —Former American Express CEO Ken Chenault 

“I believe you can speak things into existence.” —Jay-Z, Entertainment Music Mogul

“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” —Former First Lady Michelle Obama

“I’ve never chased money. It’s always been about what I can do to motivate and inspire people.” —Tyler Perry, Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Playwright, Producer, and Author

“Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.” —Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of The ACT-1 Group