Quotes, Self

25 Inspirational Quotes About Seizing The Day (Because You Only Have One Life To Live)

Making the most of every single day can be difficult. It's not easy to stay motivated 24/7 and sometimes all you want to do is stay in bed to binge-watch whatever show you're hooked on.

That's OK! But make sure you aren't lounging your life away. Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration to seize the day and remind yourself to focus on today. And a great way to do that is to grab yourself one of these inspirational "carpe diem" quotes to get you started at the beginning of every day.

When I graduated from University I was terrified of finding a job that I hate it. I knew that money makes the world go 'round but I also knew that I have one life to live and I didn't want to spend it stuck in a passionless job. I could already see myself sitting at the same job 30 years from now because I pigeon-holed myself into doing something that I thought was right — society told me to.  



RELATED: 40 Motivational Quotes To Inspire You Follow Your Dreams


Then I spoke with someone who didn't exactly follow her true passions. She told me, "Yes, I would love to do what I'm passionate about but your passions only take you so far.”

That really struck a chord in me. What if I'm not one of the lucky ones who is able to sustain herself while doing what she loved? What if I am to live the rest of this life for other people, building their dreams and not mine?

It dawned on me that I'm young and I have the opportunity to make mistakes now.  If I want to travel or change careers or do something with as little consequence as possible I should do it while I can before it's too late.

Sure, it's scary. The uncertainty of tomorrow and not having a plan is terrifying. But what I've learned is there is no formulaic way to live life. You have to dive headfirst into the unknown if you're ever going to make a change or see a different perspective.

I've come to terms with the fact that I will struggle along the way but will also gain experiences and adventures I'd never have if I stayed put. I finally realized the true meaning of Carpe Diem.

If you need a little inspiration to take life by the horns, read further for some quotes about seizing the day and never looking back.


1. Routine can be dangerous.

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s lethal.” — Unknown


2. Always look toward the promise of tomorrow.

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis


3. Remember that there is always more to explore out there.

“My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been.” — Diane Arbus


4. Set goals as though you only have this one life to live (which you do).

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” —​ Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


5. Hard work and kindness will pay off.

“If you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” —​ Conan O’Brien


6. It’s OK to not know where you’re going.

“Getting lost is not a waste of time.”  — Unknown


7. Always be your truest self.

“To be yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  — Unknown


8. You don’t always need direction to be heading somewhere.

“Travel without a map.”  — Unknown


9. Set your goals and get there.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” — Henry Miller


10. Never forget to live.

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller


11. The best things in life are right in front of you.

“All good things are wild and free.” —​ Henry David Thoreau


12. It’s OK to be afraid.

“You’ll never cross the ocean unless you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” —​ Unknown


RELATED: These 20 Motivational Memes Will Help You Carpe Diem!


13. Be extraordinary.

“You have to do stuff that average people don’t understand because those are the only good things.” —​ Andy Warhol


14. The time is now.

“Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities, seize common occasions and make them great.”  — Orison Swett Marden


15. Steer your own life.

“No one is in charge of your happiness except yourself.” —​ Unknown


16. Don’t live a life of regret.

“Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost.” —​ Unknown


17. Life is too short to not do what you want.

“You know all the things you wanted to do? You should go do them.” — Unknown


18. Don't quit.

“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.” —​ Unknown


19. Create the opportunities you want.

“If you don’t build your dreams, someone will hire you to build theirs.” — Unknown


20. You got this.

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” — Unknown


21. The road to success is rarely easy.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” — Unknown


22. Nothing is impossible.

“Do all that you can and all you thought you could not.” — Unknown


23. Don’t deny yourself an opportunity.

“Say yes to new adventure.” — Unknown


24. Allow yourself to grow.

“Don’t go through life, grow through life.” —​ Unknown


25. Take the most of what you can from this life.

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” — Oprah Winfrey


RELATED: 25 Motivational Life Quotes To Look To When You're Ready To Give Up


If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.


Isabella Ong is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.