Staying focused can be one of the most difficult things, no matter how much you want to stick to your plan.
So when you’re looking for some motivation, whether it’s motivation to write an essay, motivation to study, motivation to do homework, or motivation to self-publish a book, enjoy these stay focused quotes which will keep you accountable, lift you up, and remind you to pay attention to and stay focused on your dreams.
Print them out, write them down, and keep them in mind when you’re struggling.
It’s common to struggle, to lose focus, to not know how to stay focused on the goal.
If you want tips for being productive once you learn to stay focused, be sure to check out our guide on that as well.
You could also use something like a bullet journal like this one or a printable planner like this one to help you stay on track.
1. “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” – Alexander Graham Bell
2. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle
3. “The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire, not things we fear” – Brian Tracy
4. “Just focus on doing what you love to do and play your best game.” – Virgil van Dijk
5. “My focus is trying to make great music and putting on great shows, and whatever happens beyond that is a bonus to me.” – Luke Bryan
6. “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” – Roy T. Bennett
7. “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” – Zig Ziglar
8. “It is not for me to judge another man’s life. I must judge, I must choose, I must spurn, purely for myself. For myself, I alone.” – Herman Hesse
9. Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” – Paulo Coelho
10. “To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.” – T.F. Hodge
11. “Instead of focusing on how much you can accomplish, focus on how much you can absolutely love what you’re doing.” – Leo Babauta
12. “Where your attention goes, your time goes.” – Idowu Koyenikan
13. “Focusing is about saying No.” – Steve Jobs
14. “Sometimes we focus so much on what we don’t have that we fail to see, appreciate, and use what we do have!” – Jeff Dixon
15. “Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror.” – Colin Powell
16. “I didn’t pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing that it wasn’t about the finish line but how I got there that mattered.” – Sarah Dessen
17. “The time that leads to mastery is dependent on the intensity of our focus.” – Robert Greene
18. “Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus.” – Ann Voskamp
19. “When you fully focus your mind, you make others attracted to you.” – Toba Beta
20. “It’s not always that we need to do more but rather that we need to focus on less.” – Nathan Morris
21. “Don’t think about what can happen in a month. Don’t think about what can happen in a year. Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.” – Eric Thomas
22. “Find your focus by seeking all that is good in your life.” – Lorii Myers
23. “It’s as if when I open myself up to every perception, things create their own focus.” – Kristin Cashore
24. “You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain
25. “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” – Rachel Carson
26. “Never be so focused on what you’re looking for that you overlook the thing you actually find.” – Ann Patchett
27. “When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” – Ansel Adams
28. “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” – Eckhart Tolle
29. “Don’t think about making life better for other people who don’t even deserve you, rather, focus on making your life the best, for yourself, and those who love you.” – C. Joybell
30. “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” – Bruce Lee
31. “Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” – Jack Canfield
32. “Instead of focusing on that circumstances that you cannot change – focus strongly and powerfully on the circumstances that you can.” – Joy Page
33. “Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” – Denis Waitley
34. “You don’t get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results.” – Mike Hawkins
35. “I learned that focus is key. Not just in your running a company, but in your personal life as well.” – Tim Cook
36. “I focus on one thing and one thing only – that’s trying to win as many championships as I can.” – Kobe Bryant
37. “I learned to focus and work hard and not give up. I learned that every obstacle is really an opportunity.” – Jenna Ushkowitz
38. “The focus should not be on talking. Talk is cheap. It must be on action.” – Howard Berman
39. “I think everybody should focus on inner beauty.” – Paloma Faith
40. “Over the years, I’ve learned, focus on the job at hand, and opportunities will open after.” – Antonio Villaraigosa
41. “Focus comes a lot more easily when you desparately want the results of your own work – nobody else is going to do it for you.” – Palmer Luckey
42. “Focus on doing the right things instead of a bunch of things.” – Mike Krieger
43. “Focus is a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.” – John Carmack
44. “I only want to do better work. That’s the focus of my life.” – Ajay Devgan
45. “Focus on the positives and be grateful.” – Katrina Bowden
46. “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you, and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” – Karen Salmansolhn
47. “I learned long ago to focus on things you can control and don’t even pay attention to things you don’t.” – Bryan Cranston
