Well, it’s finally here. The New Year is upon us. We’re not sure how it happened though. It’s as though we blinked on December 31, 2017, and when our eyes opened, 2018 was over. But don’t let that fleeting feeling take away your power. Our lives are running at a frenetic pace and it feels like there’s no time to slow down and take it all in, so that’s why we’re urging you now to take stock, settle in, be mindful as you sip a cup of cocoa and prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, physiologically for the year ahead.

Yes, 2019 is yours for the taking. Whether you’re chasing big dreams, want to be the best version of yourself, or just keep up the status quo, a dose of inspiration can go a long way. We collected some of our favorite motivational quotes to help you get to that place of power from inspiring people from across the decades—leaders in change who proved that anything is possible. As you’re thinking about the year ahead, what you aspire to be or do, here are their messages of encouragement we all need.

Michelle Obama shares her aha moments in 2018’s best-selling memoir, Becoming. Obama has defied the expectations of women and invites us to do the same. Let’s go.

America’s sweetheart Mindy Kaling knows just how to articulate human emotions with thoughtful humor in her book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns).

If you have financial goals this year, investor icon Warren Buffett offers invaluable career advice in the documentary Becoming Warren Buffett.

Oprah yelled out her premonition of positive change during her riveting speech at the 2018 Golden Globes. Millions of women, ready to break-barriers, watched in glee.

Steve Jobs inspired an entire nation of go-getters as he famously said this during Apple’s Think Different campaign. He continues to inspire us today.

Sheryl Sandberg so poignantly said this analogy during her address to a graduating class of Harvard Business School—her alma mater.

One of the American history’s most poignant orators, Martin Luther King Jr., spoke about the possibilities of a peaceful united nation during a 1962 speech in New York City.

J.K. Rowling knows how to turn rejection into determination after undergoing years of it before the magical Harry Potter series was published. She often posts these words of encouragement to on Twitter.

Hillary Clinton has experience with criticism. She writes about this along with her greatest political career lessons in her memoir Living History.

Always taking the high road, Taylor Swift shared this nugget of advice in an interview with Time. Coming from someone who is surrounded by female powerhouses, we’re all ears.

We can’t get enough of Olivia Wilde’s candor. In an interview with Glamour she talks about turning 30, though her advice is certainly applicable to many ages.

Also Read

• 75+ Happy New Year Quotes, Messages and Wishes for Your Family and Friends

• St Andrew Day Newyork

• Remembrance Sunday Maidstone

• Remembrance Sunday Newport

• Remembrance Sunday for primary schools

Wrote the bold and funny Amy Poehler in her book, Yes Please. When it comes to going against the grain, Poehler is our favorite muse.

The longest-serving first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most sophisticated and self-assured women in political history. She encourages other women in her book You Learn by Living.

American motivational speaker, author, and former member of the House of Representatives Les Brown writes in his book Living Your Dreams.

Zoë Kravitz put it so simply in an interview with O. A great mantra for self-acceptance.

The unapologetic actress and activist Emma Watson said this in an interview with Glamour. As someone who has achieved large fame, she reminds us of the importance of life’s basics.

As a famous motivational coach, Tony Robbins is full of words of encouragement about transforming your life. This is one of his common sayings yelled out during conferences, speeches, or posted on Twitter.

The spirited Katharine Hepburn so beautifully wrote in her 1991 autobiography, Me: Stories of My Life. Her intoxicating words ring true.