Jim Rohn’s Greatest Quotes: Wisdom to Fuel Your Ambition

Emanuel James Rohn, best known as Jim Rohn, was an American motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. On 1930, he was born in Yakima, Washington to Emanuel and Clara Rohn.

Throughout his life, Rohn presented several seminars for over 40 years and has reached audiences all around the world. He had mentored the founder of Herbalife Internation, Mark R. Hughes, and Tony Robbins, a life strategist in the late 70s. In 1985, he was awarded the 1985 National Speakers Association CPAE Award for excellence in speaking.

Among his many works are “The Power of Ambition,” 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America’s Foremost Business Philosopher, and My Philosophy For Successful Living. 

Pave your way to a successful life as you read some of the motivational Jim Rohn quotes that show his ideas on leadership, success, work, and goals.

Fun fact: Before becoming a speaker, Jim Rohn worked at Sears and once described himself as “an Idaho farm boy who made it.”

Jim Rohn’s Most Famous Quotes

Start with the most iconic lines—these are the quotes that have inspired millions and stood the test of time.

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Art of Exceptional Living’

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Why these matter: These classic quotes capture Rohn’s practical philosophy—success isn’t about luck; it’s about habits, associations, and personal growth.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Success & Achievement

Jim Rohn believed that achievement starts with clear goals, strong discipline, and consistent effort.

If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Either you run the day, or the day runs you.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Art of Exceptional Living’

Start from wherever you are and with whatever you’ve got.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘Leading an Inspired Life’

Why these matter: Rohn emphasized that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness by developing themselves and acting intentionally.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Discipline & Personal Responsibility

Discipline is the foundation of all success. Rohn saw personal responsibility as the first step to a better life.

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘Leading an Inspired Life’

For things to change, you have to change.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Why these matter: Discipline isn’t about perfection, but about daily habits and personal ownership. Rohn’s perspective helps us see change as possible for everyone.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Motivation & Inspiration

Rohn’s words are fuel for action—reminding us that motivation gets us started, but discipline and purpose keep us moving.

The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Art of Exceptional Living’

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

Why these matter: Rohn urges us to combine gratitude with ambition—pursue more, but don’t lose sight of what’s already good.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Life & Wisdom

Jim Rohn’s life advice blends common sense, humor, and deep wisdom about priorities, relationships, and the journey of life.

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Either you change, or nothing changes.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

The more you care, the stronger you can be.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Why these matter: Life is short, so invest in what counts. Rohn’s quotes challenge us to aim higher—starting from within.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Leadership & Influence

True leadership, according to Rohn, starts with self-mastery and grows through service to others.

The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

You cannot make progress without making decisions.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

It isn’t what the book costs; it’s what it will cost if you don’t read it.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘Leading an Inspired Life’

Why these matter: Rohn’s leadership wisdom is as relevant for parenting or teaching as it is for the boardroom—lead by example and care deeply.

Jim Rohn Quotes on Happiness & Mindset

Rohn reminds us that mindset isn’t everything—but it’s the starting point for everything else.

Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.
—Jim Rohn, Speech, 1981

Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle’

Either you run your day or the day runs you.
—Jim Rohn, Seminar, 1981

Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.
—Jim Rohn, from ‘The Art of Exceptional Living’

Why these matter: Rohn encourages us to be intentional with our mindset, our actions, and our time.

Jim Rohn’s Lasting Impact

Jim Rohn’s wisdom is timeless—his quotes remain popular not just because they’re clever, but because they work. If you apply even a handful of these lessons, you’ll be better equipped to live, lead, and succeed. Remember: You don’t have to change everything at once. Small, steady improvements—practiced daily—make all the difference.