As the UK workforce gears up for another week, a new study reveals the surprising secret weapon for millions of young Brits: the motivational quote. A staggering 59 percent of young working Britons actively seek inspiration from positive phrases before starting their workday, according to a recent poll.
The Nation's Most Inspirational Voices
The research, commissioned by menthol lozenge brand Jakemans, pinpointed the quotes that resonate most powerfully. Topping the chart is the timeless wisdom of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, with 52 percent finding motivation in his words: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
In a close second, the gritty mantra from ultra-endurance athlete and motivational speaker David Goggins – “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done” – inspired 46 percent of respondents.
The list of influential voices spans history and pop culture:
- “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt (33%)
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela (33%)
- “The mind is everything. What you think, you become” – Buddha (21%)
- “If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one” – Dolly Parton (19%)
- “Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it” – Taylor Swift (19%)
A Digital Culture of Positivity
This trend is fuelled by social media, with an overwhelming 81 percent of Gen Z Brits reporting that their personalised ‘for you’ feeds are filled with positive affirmations and inspirational content. The need for this digital pep talk is clear, as 88 percent of Brits admit they struggle to motivate themselves for the day ahead, leading 79 percent to regularly pretend to be positive when they are not.
Motivational phrases are not just for work. Brits turn to them when preparing for a new activity (37%), before a gym session (22%), ahead of a date (20%), or even before seeing family (16%).
Sharing the Wisdom: A Modern Support Network
The British love for a motivational meme extends into personal networks. More than half (54 percent) send inspirational content to loved ones roughly once a week. The main recipients are partners (44%), mothers (38%), best friends (37%), and sisters (29%).
This culture of encouragement is also entering the workplace. A fifth (19%) make a point of sending motivational memes to colleagues, and one in twenty (5%) even dare to share them with their boss.
Dr Alison Edgar MBE, a motivational speaker, explains the power of these phrases: “Motivation is the bridge between our thoughts and our actions... A short phrase at the right time can reframe your thinking and give you the push you need to act. They’re not magic, but they can act as a mental reset when self-doubt creeps in.”
She also highlights the importance of delivery, noting the voice is a “powerful instrument of influence.” This sentiment is echoed by Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Senior Brand Manager for Jakemans, who said: “It’s clear how much, as a nation, we need those motivational moments... It's not just what you say, but how you say it as well.”
The research underscores a generation seeking digital and verbal boosts to navigate modern pressures, with the words of cultural icons like RuPaul – “If you can't love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else?” – resonating with nearly one in five (19%).
