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57 examples of words of encouragement to share with others

August 8, 2024 - 20 min read

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Offering words of encouragement to the people in your life

50+ inspirational quotes to encourage everyone in your life 

10 famous quotes for offering encouragement through hard times

10 tips for offering words of encouragement for hard times

Get support and encouragement with BetterUp

Everyone needs someone to uplift them in life. But offering words of encouragement can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to say. Fortunately, there’s usually a way to approach every situation.

Whether you’re trying to inspire a coworker, comfort a friend, or support a partner, having the right words can make things easier. This list of encouraging words will help you share the right kind of support and encouragement with everyone in your life.

Offering words of encouragement to the people in your life

It can be awkward to encourage someone going through a hard time. Many people find it difficult to find the right words. It’s a very common feeling, so don’t feel bad. Generally speaking, your recipient may remember your sentiment more than your words. 

If you’re unsure how to support someone with words of encouragement, the tips below can help: 

Speak, then listen: Many people perceive words of encouragement as an opportunity to talk about themselves. Practice active listening and empathy. Show that you genuinely care about their concerns and feelings. 

Say it from the heart: Be sincere in your encouragement, and avoid generic phrases that may sound hollow. It’s OK to acknowledge someone’s hardships while encouraging them with the belief that they can overcome their challenges.

Make things personal: When you’re chatting with someone going through a difficult time, one size does not fit all. Try to tailor your support to the individual’s needs and situation. What works for one person may not work for another, and every situation is different. Consider the specifics when offering words of support.

Be specific: When it comes down to it, be actionable. Give examples, be detailed in your compliments, and offer ways for them to cultivate a positive mindset. Share words that highlight their strengths or progress, however small it may seem.

Offer a positive perspective: Many of life’s struggles are temporary. Encourage them to build resilience through perseverance and remind them of their past successes. Be sure your recipient is ready to see the bright side. Sometimes, people have to process events before they can look for positives in a situation.

Convey sincerity in your voice: Use a tone that conveys warmth and kindness to reinforce your message of support. Take the time to consider your words and how they’ll land with your recipient.

Keep in touch: Follow up with your friend or loved one to provide ongoing support. It shows that your encouragement wasn’t a one-time gesture but a heartfelt hope for better days. Engage in the right type of listening or offer support if they reach out. 

50+ inspirational quotes to encourage everyone in your life 

Every situation and person is unique, so support and encouragement can look different depending on the circumstances. What reassures one person may not resonate with another, and the context is important. Other times, it’s a matter of offering motivation versus inspiration. Recognizing these nuances is key to providing genuine, impactful support. 

If you need to offer words of support, use these 40+ inspirational examples to encourage friends or loved ones on their distinct journeys. From uplifting words to phrases of comfort, this list can help you support everyone in your life.

8 examples for words of encouragement for a friend or family member

Need the right words to add to a card or a text? Your words of support and encouragement can help a friend or family member remember that they have a great support system to lean on: 

  • Facing a new challenge: You’ve conquered mountains before. This is just a new climb. I believe in your strength and determination.
  • When feeling overwhelmed: Take it one step at a time. You’re capable and strong enough to navigate this storm.
  • Pursuing dreams: Follow your dreams with the same passion you do everything. You have the potential to make it happen.
  • Recovering from failure: Every setback is a setup for a comeback. You have the resilience to rise above this and shine even brighter.
  • Starting over: New beginnings are rich with possibility and hope. Trust in this new chapter of your life. Every step in starting over moves toward something great.
  • In moments of doubt: Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. Your bravery, courage, wisdom, and heart can move mountains.
  • When making difficult decisions: Trust your gut. You have the wisdom to choose the way even when the path seems unclear.
  • Feeling lonely or isolated: Remember, you’re deeply loved and cherished by those around you, even if we can’t always be there physically.

9 encouraging quotes to share with a partner

When you love someone, you become their biggest cheerleader. Use these words of encouragement for a pick-me-up to help your partner through life challenges or a difficult chapter of life: 

  • During challenging times: You’ve got this. I know you’ll figure it out, and I’ll be here to help you however I can.
  • When they’re doubting their abilities: I see your talents and strengths, even when you might not. You amaze me!
  • Before a big day: You’ve worked hard to be here. I believe in you, and I know you’re going to be great.
  • Feeling overwhelmed: Take a deep breath. I’m in this with you. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.
  • Celebrating successes: I knew you could do it! Good work! You inspire me every day.
  • Facing failure or setbacks: I’m here for you, believing in your next victory.
  • When feeling unloved or unworthy: You are such an important part of people’s lives and so loved.
  • Struggling with change: Change is just the universe saying it’s time to grow. Let’s embrace it together.
  • When they need motivation: Keep pushing forward, love. Your dreams are valid and within reach.

6 options of words of encouragement for work situations

Teamwork means sticking together through the difficult times. If you have a coworker going through a personal or professional challenge who you believe would welcome a boost, or you’re a manager motivating a team, offer some words to lighten their spirits. 

Here are some examples to lift up or praise someone professionally

  • Facing a tough project: You have the creativity and determination to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Your hard work always shines through.
  • After making a mistake: Everyone makes mistakes. We also learn from mistakes. Your contributions and willingness to learn are appreciated.
  • When feeling overwhelmed: We’re a team, and we’re here to support each other.
  • Celebrating a success: Your passion and dedication have paid off. This achievement is a testament to your capabilities.
  • Navigating change: Change can be daunting, but your adaptability and commitment to stay positive is inspiring.
  • During times of uncertainty: Even when the future seems uncertain, your steadfast commitment and optimism are encouraging for us all.

7 sources of encouragement for children

All kids thrive on encouragement when they take on new challenges or situations. It might even set kids up to explore situations and boundaries with more confidence. 

If you have a young person in your life, cheer them on with some words to support them: 

  • When facing a new challenge: Remember, every expert was once a beginner, just like you. Give it your best shot, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
  • After making a mistake: It’s OK to make mistakes. That’s how we learn and grow. What matters most is that you keep trying and never give up.
  • Feeling left out or alone: Always remember, you are unique and special in your own way. Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.
  • Before a sports game or performance: Remember, we can control our efforts but not the outcomes. You have prepared for this moment, and you’ll do your best. You’re a winner no matter what the outcome, so go out there and shine.
  • Overcoming a fear: Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you face your fears to overcome them. I believe in you.
  • After success in a goal: I knew you could do it. You worked really hard, and your effort paid off. Well done! 
  • When things don’t go as planned: I know it’s hard when things don’t work out the way you wanted. But you did a great job. You should be proud of yourself. I am very proud of you as well.

7 ways to motivate someone in your life

person-cheering-on-friend-using-words-of-encouragement

Everyone needs a boost when they’re going for a big goal or face bad days. The road to success has twists and turns, and the motivation and inspiration of a friend or family member can make a difference.

Share some good vibes with these words to motivate a team or inspire someone in your life: 

  • When starting a new challenge: This is your chance to show the world what you’re capable of. Embrace it with enthusiasm and courage. I have every confidence in you.
  • During times of uncertainty: It’s OK not to have all the answers right now. The most important thing is to trust in your ability. You can navigate through this because your resilience is stronger than any uncertainty.
  • Prior to making a difficult decision: Listen to your heart and trust your instincts. You’re capable of making choices that align with your values and lead you toward great things.
  • In moments of self-doubt: Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. Your potential is limitless, and your talents are unique. Don’t let doubt overshadow your incredible abilities.
  • Facing a setback: You have the strength to rise above this challenge and emerge even stronger on the other side.
  • When pursuing a long-term goal: Stay focused on your journey, even when progress feels slow. Every step is bringing you closer to your dream. Keep setting goals and pushing forward. You’re getting there.
  • When encountering criticism or negativity: Keep shining bright even when faced with negativity. Use constructive feedback to grow, but let go of what doesn’t serve you.

10 phrases of affirmation and encouragement for yourself

Be your own best friend, and talk to yourself just as you would to a friend or loved one. This includes being caring and supportive in your self-talk, especially during a difficult chapter in your life. These examples of self-motivation can help you get inspired. Use these affirmations for imposter syndrome moments, especially if these feelings affect your mental health.

These positive self-talk examples can boost self-motivation, helping you center your focus on success, or encourage you through tough times:

  • I am capable of overcoming any challenge that comes my way.
  • Every day, in every way, I am becoming better and stronger.
  • I trust in my ability to unlock the solution to any problem.
  • I choose to see the good in every situation and learn from it.
  • My potential is limitless, and today I will take another step toward realizing it.
  • I give myself permission to make mistakes. It’s part of growing and learning.
  • I am worthy of respect and kindness from myself and others.
  • Today, I will speak kindly to myself because my words have power.
  • I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
  • I am surrounded by abundance, and everything I need comes to me at the right time.

10 famous quotes for offering encouragement through hard times

  • “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Your willingness to look at your darkness is what empowers you to change.” — Iyanla Vanzant
  • “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou
  • “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
  • “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
  • “The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.” — Amelia Earhart
  • “Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it.” — Taylor Swift
  • “It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” — Queen Elizabeth II
  •  “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James
  •  “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.” — David Goggins

10 tips for offering words of encouragement for hard times

There are times when words and encouragement feel inadequate for the situation. When someone is facing especially difficult news, such as an illness, a death in the family, a divorce, a job loss, or another significant setback, showing support can be more difficult. 

Use these tips to show your support when someone is going through a hard time: 

Be present

Simply being there for someone can speak volumes. Be present as a source of comfort without the need for words or actions.

Offer practical help

During tough times, daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Offer specific ways you can help, whether it’s running errands, cooking meals, or taking care of pets.

Encourage professional support

If a friend or loved one is struggling to cope, gently suggest that they ask for help from a mental health professional. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments, if appropriate.

Respect their process

Understand that everyone copes differently and at their own pace. Be patient and avoid pushing them to move on before they’re ready.

Remind them of their strengths

Without minimizing their pain, remind them of their resilience and past instances when they’ve overcome challenges.

Protect their dignity

In efforts to help, ensure you’re not overstepping boundaries that might make them feel powerless or pitied.

Encourage small joys

When the time is right, gently encourage activities that might bring them small moments of happiness or distraction from their grief.

Be consistent but not overbearing

Show consistent support without overwhelming them with attention or expecting a quick recovery.

Advocate for them if needed

Sometimes, individuals facing hardship may need assistance in dealing with insurance companies or employers but lack the strength to speak up for themselves. Encourage self-advocacy or offer your help in these situations while respecting their autonomy.

Remain hopeful but realistic

While maintaining hope is important, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the reality of the situation and not dismiss their feelings with overly optimistic assurances.

Get support and encouragement with BetterUp

Everyone deserves the right kind of support. It’s wonderful to offer it to others, but you also deserve to receive encouragement through life’s challenges. BetterUp offers you the chance to connect with a professional coach who can guide you toward personal growth and resilience. 

A coach can help you be more supportive in your relationships while getting the support you need. Get and give support more easily with BetterUp.

 

Published August 8, 2024

Belynda Cianci

Belynda is a freelance content writer with 15+ years of experience writing for the SaaS, technology, and finance industries. She loves helping scrappy startups and household names connect with the right audiences. Away from the office, Belynda enjoys reading and writing fiction, singing, and horseback riding. Her favorite activity is traveling with her husband and children. Belynda holds a B.A. in English from Northeastern University.

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