As the new year brings a familiar return to routines, a significant majority of young British workers are turning to a digital dose of inspiration to power through their working week. Fresh research reveals that 59 percent of young working Brits actively seek out positive phrases before starting work, with many relying on the wisdom of figures from Steve Jobs to Taylor Swift.
The Nation's Most Inspirational Voices
The poll, commissioned by menthol lozenge brand Jakemans, pinpointed the quotes that resonate most powerfully across the UK. Topping the list was the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, with his famous line: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This was cited as motivational by 52 percent of respondents.
In a close second place, the gritty advice from ultra-endurance athlete and motivational speaker David Goggins struck a chord with 46 percent of young Brits: “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.”
The list of influential voices extends across history and culture:
- Theodore Roosevelt: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” (33%).
- Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” (33%).
- Buddha: “The mind is everything. What you think, you become” (21%).
- Dolly Parton: “If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one” (19%).
- Taylor Swift: “Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it” (19%).
- RuPaul: “If you can't love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else?” (19%).
A Social Media Feed Filled with Positivity
The trend for seeking motivation is deeply woven into the digital habits of Generation Z. A staggering 81 percent of those surveyed reported that their social media ‘For You’ pages are filled with similar inspirational phrases and affirmations.
This reliance on a quick motivational boost isn’t confined to the workplace. Brits also turn to these phrases when preparing for a range of activities:
- Trying a new activity (37%).
- Going to the gym (22%).
- Getting ready for a date (20%).
- Going for a run (18%).
- Preparing to see family or friends (16% each).
Sharing the Inspiration and the Struggle Behind It
The culture of motivation has become a shared experience. More than half (54 percent) of respondents send motivational memes or quotes to loved ones, doing so roughly once a week on average. The main recipients are partners (44%), mothers (38%), best friends (37%), and sisters (29%).
Interestingly, the workplace is also a key channel for this positivity, with 19 percent sending motivational content to colleagues and 5 percent even sharing it with their boss.
This widespread sharing hints at a deeper need. The survey found that 88 percent of Brits admit they struggle to motivate themselves for the day ahead. This challenge leads to 79 percent regularly pretending to be positive when they are not, highlighting a significant gap between outward appearance and inner feeling.
The Expert View on Motivation
Motivational Speaker, Dr Alison Edgar MBE, commented on the findings: “Motivation is the bridge between our thoughts and our actions... Fear of failure, overwhelm, and procrastination are the big three barriers to feeling motivated.”
She explains the power of a simple phrase: “They’re not magic, but they can act as a mental reset when self-doubt creeps in.” Dr Edgar also emphasised the importance of delivery, noting how a confident, warm tone can uplift and inspire.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Senior Brand Manager for Jakemans, said: “It’s clear how much, as a nation, we need those motivational moments to help us get through the day... Our voices are an incredibly powerful tool in communicating the motivation that we need.”
The research also revealed that 42 percent of people regularly phone friends to share motivational words, and 44 percent save quotes they find to revisit later, proving that in modern Britain, a few well-chosen words can be a vital tool for navigating daily life.
