Here are some quotes that can help you build a positive self-image especially when you are feeling down or frustrated.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Teenagers often base their self-image on what their peers and friends think of them. Though difficult, this quote can help your teenagers understand that no one should have the power to define their potential or worth.
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
It can be hard to believe you can accomplish many things as a young person. This quote reminds your teens about their true capabilities and encourages them to take that first step to pursue their goals and dreams.
“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.” — Virginia Satir
Teenagers are strongly affected by what others think or say about them. It helps to remind your teens that people only see a tiny part of their lives, so others should not and cannot define their identity or capabilities.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Because of social media, many teenagers believe they must dress, act, or talk a certain way to fit in. Let your teens know that pretending to be someone they’re not is exhausting. Doing this also robs them of the opportunity to explore their own interests and ambitions.
“Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.” — Samuel Johnson
You can encourage your teens to develop more confidence in learning and trying new things. Taking that leap of faith opens the door to many more opportunities to reach new milestones in their academics, sports, or hobbies.
“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” — Walt Disney
Even as adults, it can be daunting to be unapologetically yourself. This quote can help create a safe space for your teens to explore their unique interests, hobbies, and passions without fear of judgment.
“You are enough just as you are.” — Meghan Markle
Having great goals is good, but it can be disappointing when you don’t achieve them. Let your teens know that their worth isn’t defined by their grades, accomplishments, or material possessions.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela
Teenagers might fear stepping outside their comfort zone and trying new things. Help them build a growth mindset by framing failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger
Your teens have probably heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This is a less clichéd way to discuss the importance of facing and overcoming challenges — instead of avoiding them — to grow as a person.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sometimes, it can be helpful to remind teenagers that life is full of ups and downs. The valley lows they have faced and will face will not define them. Rather, it is their inner qualities and character that are most important.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” — Charles R. Swindoll
Help your teens understand that life can sometimes be unfair and difficult. While we cannot control many things, we can change how we respond to the various situations we encounter in life.
“Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela
Another way to nurture a growth mindset in teens is to remind them to focus on the process rather than the outcome. This quote emphasizes the journey and the lessons learned along the way instead of whether or not the desired outcomes were reached.
“We grow through what we go through.” — Anonymous
Help your teens understand that challenges allow them to develop their character and build resilience.
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” — Napoleon Hill
Let your teens know that the difficulties they face can lead to growth and learning that would otherwise not be possible.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman
This quote talks about maintaining a positive and hopeful spirit by focusing on the good rather than the bad. Of course, this does not mean we shouldn’t acknowledge that “shadows” exist. It’s still important to validate your teen’s challenges and the emotions that come with them. At the same time, reminding your teens to focus on the positives can help fuel their hope.
