10 Barack Obama Quotes on Hard Work, Success, Motivation and More There's much to be learned from the former U.S. President.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

James Devaney | Getty Images
Barack Obama

There's much to be learned from Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. As America's first black president, Obama's presidential victory changed the world we live in -- and marked a major day in history.

From 2009 to 2017, Obama was the leader of our country. But he is also a Columbia University grad, Harvard law grad, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, an influential attorney and a state and U.S. senator. Obama's achievements are nothing short of amazing.

Related: 10 Thomas Edison Quotes to Inspire and Motivate You

It's easy to say that the former president knows a thing or two about success, leadership, motivation and hard work.

Become inspired by these 10 quotes from Obama.

On change

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some time. We are the ones we've been waiting for." -- Barack Obama

On perseverance

"Nothing in life that's worth anything is easy." -- Barack Obama

On the future

"We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it." -- Barack Obama

Related: 11 Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Motivation, Mindset, Productivity and More

On motivation

"Progress will come in fits and starts. It's not always a straight line. It's not always smooth path." -- Barack Obama

On empowerment

"The cynics may be the loudest voices -- but I promise you, they will accomplish the least." -- Barack Obama

On leadership

"One voice can change a room." -- Barack Obama

Related: 10 Sheryl Sandberg Quotes to Motivate and Inspire You

On collaboration

"We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort." -- Barack Obama

On mindset

"We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent." -- Barack Obama

On hard work

"If you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like or who you love." -- Barack Obama

Related: These 11 Steve Jobs Quotes Will Motivate You to Change the World

On failure

"Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment and it comes with plenty of failure along the way." -- Barack Obama

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

They Started a Side Hustle Producing an 'Obvious' Food Item. It Hit $300,000 Monthly Revenue Fast — On Track for Over $20 Million in 2025.

When Jason Rosenbaum and Hailey Swartz couldn't find the product they wanted to see on grocery store shelves, they took matters into their own hands.

Business News

Here's How Much Google Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Data Scientists Make in a Year

Data revealed in federal filings shows how much Google is compensating its employees.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Here's When the New Apple iPhone 17 and MacBooks Are Being Released

Apple also has a home device in the works. Here's when to expect a new lineup of Apple products.

Business Ideas

What My First Failed Startup Taught Me — and How I Finally Got It Right 20 Years Later

Launching a startup two decades after a failed first attempt brought clarity, humility, and a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a sustainable business.

Business News

Microsoft Executive Says Using AI Has Saved $500 Million in Productivity Costs, as the Company Conducts Mass Layoffs

Microsoft is leveraging AI tools for cost savings in various departments, including customer service.