20+ Uplifting Quotes for Hard Days in HR

No two days in HR are exactly the same.

From trying to find and hire great people to keeping up with all the latest tech and automation, it's not easy to keep up—no matter what kind of company you're working for or how big it is.

On top of all that, add in the pressure of tight deadlines; ensuring a diverse group of employees feel included and supported; the ups and downs of the economy; and figuring out better ways to measure how people are doing at work, among other challenges.

You're adapting to a constantly changing environment—and you’re doing amazing.

Take a deep breath, read through these affirmations, and keep being the incredible HR pro you are.

On Finding Inner Confidence

Strong leadership and self-confidence go hand in hand—but no one feels confident all the time.

For HR pros, stereotypes and misconceptions can hinder confidence in the workplace. In some workplaces, HR is perceived as a rule enforcer rather than a support system. Additionally, there's a common misconception that HR's primary role is to protect the employer, rather than supporting employees.

These issues—alongside any personal challenges you may be experiencing—can undermine your confidence and foster feelings of being undervalued and misunderstood.

On the days you're not feeling your most confident, keep these words of encouragement in mind:

“What if everything goes right?” Kara Cutruzzula, author of Do It For Yourself, uses this phrase to get herself out of spiraling thoughts and worries. Instead of imagining all the potential disasters, try picturing everything going off without a hitch.

“You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There’s only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.” Fred Rogers, the beloved television host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, offers this reminder that you are important and worthy.

"If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" Drag queen, television host, and singer RuPaul's catchphrase is a reminder that showing up for others is much more difficult when we don't show up for ourselves. If you're struggling to find motivation for self-love, just remember that showing yourself grace will help you better support your team.

There are also plenty of well-known phrases and meditations that are helpful to keep in mind during your toughest days:

• “Trust the seeds you are planting.”
• “I am more than my thoughts.”
• “People need what I have to offer.”

On Quieting Self-Doubt

It's perfectly normal to experience self-doubt when facing challenges, unfamiliar situations, or daily stressors.

Self-doubt is often rooted in the complex and frequently misunderstood nature of HR. On any given day, you might be balancing support for employees with organizational objectives; navigating sensitive and challenging workplace dynamics; and finding data-driven ways to report on complex, nuanced, and deeply human workplace issues.

We also love these two affirmations, which are so well-known they aren't credited to a specific author:

• “You’ll figure it out, just like you always have.”
• “I am capable of facing any challenges that come my way.”

Even if you're not sure what the solution will be, you can trust yourself to find it eventually.

On Solving Tough Challenges

HR professionals face new challenges every day. Alongside ongoing challenges like hiring top talent, there are also sweeping changes to contend with—such as the rise of AI technology, macroeconomic shifts, and rapidly changing regulations.

These tasks require a complex and nuanced skillset. Depending on the challenge, you may need to demonstrate meticulous planning skills, adaptability, empathy, creativity, and excellent communication skills—to name just a few.

That's why we love this classic mantra: “Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.”

Singer-songwriter Pete Seeger encouraged a similar mindset, saying, “The world will be solved by millions of small things.”

Bestselling cookbook author and television host Ina Garten also reminds us that seeking support from peers or mentors can also help us find the strength to solve tough problems: “Stand up for yourself, even when it’s hard, even when it means taking a risk. And in any endeavor, find just one person who really believes in you.”

On Prioritizing Self-Care

It's important to prioritize your mental health and overall well-being. Acts of self-care, such as practicing mindfulness, can mitigate burnout and keep you feeling healthy and motivated.

If you're consistently feeling stretched thin, it's time to reconsider your processes. Advanced HR tools can streamline workflows, reduce your workload, and support your overall wellbeing.

Furthermore, HR professionals can help foster a workplace culture that values all employees' mental health.

“Don’t give up! Just take a break instead.” For the moments when you feel like giving up, artist and writer Amina Mucciolo recommends stepping away to clear your mind.

“We spend so much time making others feel valued that it’s easy to forget to check our own meters!” Hebba Youssef, Workweek CPO and creator of the popular podcast I Hate It Here, reminds HR pros that it's important to occasionally take a step back from caring for others to check in with ourselves.

Dr. Kristin Neff, psychology professor at University of Texas at Austin, emphasizes the importance of self-compassion: “Compassion isn’t a zero-sum game. The more compassion that flows inward, the more resources we have available to be there for others.”

On Building a Strong Team

HR professionals are crucial in creating meaningful connections, engaging workplace culture, and strong teams throughout the entire organization.

As your HR career progresses, you'll encounter opportunities to build strong teams and help them thrive. From fostering career development to implementing policies that improve workplace culture, HR strategies are crucial in helping people work together effectively.

Actor, comedian, and author Mindy Kaling encourages us to find ways to celebrate wins together: “I’m giving you permission to root for yourself, and while you’re at it, root for those around you, too.”

“Don’t forget: hold somebody’s hand through the dark.” Joy Harjo, former US Poet Laureate and member of Muscogee Nation, reminds us that some of the most powerful bonds are forged during life's challenging moments.

On Overcoming Disappointment

Disappointment is, unfortunately, a fact of life. From guiding employees through layoffs to breaking bad news, HR pros often have to support disappointed employees alongside managing their own emotions.

Human-centered HR accepts that disappointment is sometimes unavoidable—but it can be handled with sensitivity, empathy, and dignity. When HR pros help create an environment where everyone can be open about their feelings and concerns, it becomes easier to process disappointments and move forward.

“You have the power to define yourself—remember that power, take that control. Your life will get more complicated, but think of it as a great adventure, every damn day. You’re going to have fun.” Award-winning author Randall Kenan offers this reminder that the narratives we create around disappointing events can help us move forward and maintain perspective.

Bestselling novelist Sarah J. Maas also urges her readers to keep disappointments in perspective: “Don’t let the hard days win.”