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You’re not alone if you sometimes feel like you’re just going through the motions. We all sometimes feel dispirited and unmotivated; it’s just that some of us are better at re-finding our enthusiasm than others.

I know I’m not the only one who has a stash of wise quotes, like Warren Buffett , filed away for those days when I’m just not feeling it. Reading words that say beautifully what we need to hear can remind us of what we hold dear, the values we espouse and the rewards of our hard work (or the dangers of slacking!) and give us just the push we need to stay on track.

It might seem contradictory, but I find that it’s easier for me to meet my financial goals when I remember to keep money in perspective and focus more on the things that really matter. These quotes remind us that money on it’s own is not our true motivation. Our ultimate goal is to live long, happy lives doing what we love, and surrounded by the people that matter to us. Now what could be more motivating than knowing you are working towards such a worthy goal?

“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” – Jim Rohn

We need to be at least as aware of how we spend our time as how we spend our money. I’ve known too many people who put off doing the things that they loved until it was too late. Do save your money, but not at the expense of time to do the things that fill you with a zest for life.

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” – Benjamin Franklin

If the only way that you have to measure your success in life is money, you’re never going to be fulfilled. Find out what you really want to accomplish with your life, so that your money can be a tool to accomplish that and not the goal in and of itself.

“You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” – Ruth Smeltzer

Every one of us has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. No matter how rich or poor we are, how articulate or smart or strong or kind, we can all make a difference. Remind yourself every day that you have the power to help others and look for ways to make it so.

“It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy.” – George Lorimer

I wouldn’t be writing for MoneyNing if I didn’t believe that money is important and should be handled with care, but at the end of the day, we need to make sure that we have balance in our lives.

“Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail” – Richard Friedman

Money is a wonderful tool , but there are very real limits to what it can buy. It can’t buy you real respect or love or self esteem if you don’t have other qualities to earn it.

“Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.” – James W. Frick

This quote always reminds me that my children are watching me. They notice if mom and dad are resourceful in finding ways for them to get a good education and life experiences and conversely they’ll notice if I say the art museum is too expensive but I have money for a pack of cigarettes.

“Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A lot of these quotes might seem to send the message that money should not be a consideration at all, but I think that the idea is more that you keep it in the proper perspective. To me, that means knowing that it’s not more important than love and happiness, but also knowing that it’s a valuable commodity and should be treated with careful respect.

“There are people who have money and people who are rich.” – Coco Chanel

There are two ways you could interpret this. One could be that there are people who have a lot of money for a little while but never build any real wealth because they squander it by being flashy and foolish. The other is that all of the money in the world can’t buy you a feeling of being truly content in your own skin and happy with what you do have, no matter how grand or modest.

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” – Charles R. Swindoll

It’s only natural to get upset, angry and frustrated when we face adversity. The problem is, those emotions alone don’t change anything. The more you can get into the habit of reframing situations to look for the hidden opportunities , the happier you’ll be and yes, you’ll always find new ways to be happy and successful, too.

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Don’t judge yourself by where you are today but by whether or not you are making an honest effort to move in the direction you want to be. Applaud yourself for your efforts and you’ll be even more inspired to continue to work hard and stay focused.

What are some of your favorite quotes that help you stay motivated when times are hard?
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