Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.

Wayne Dyer, one of the most influential spiritual teachers and self-help authors of our time, often delivered wisdom that was both simple and profoundly life-changing. Among his many impactful quotes, one stands out for its raw honesty and empowering message:
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.”

At first glance, these words might sound like tough love. But beneath their straightforward tone lies a deep truth about human nature, free will, and personal empowerment. In just a few words, Dyer reminds us that while life’s circumstances can be unpredictable and challenging, how we respond to them is entirely within our control.

Let’s explore what this Wayne Dyer quote really means and how applying it can transform the way we experience life.

The Power of Choice

One of the most overlooked powers we have as human beings is the ability to choose our mindset, our attitude, and our actions. It’s easy to forget that even when life feels out of control, we are never powerless. We may not be able to control what happens to us, but we can control how we interpret it, how we react, and what we do next.

Wayne Dyer’s quote cuts straight to the core: when faced with difficulty, you always have two main choices. You can dwell in misery—feeling sorry for yourself, blaming others, or waiting for things to change on their own. Or, you can take responsibility, find your inner drive, and push forward with determination. Both choices are valid. But only one of them leads to growth, peace, and progress.

Misery Is Easy… but Draining

Let’s be honest—choosing misery can feel easier in the short term. When something goes wrong, it’s natural to feel upset, defeated, or overwhelmed. We might want to vent, cry, or retreat. These emotions are valid and human. But problems arise when we stay stuck there—when misery becomes our default reaction to life.

Misery often leads to a cycle of negative thinking. You tell yourself things like:

• “Nothing ever works out for me.”

• “I’m just not good enough.”

• “What’s the point in trying?”

These thoughts drain energy, motivation, and joy. And over time, they can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

But here’s the catch: misery, no matter how justified it feels, does not move you forward. It does not solve problems. It does not bring change. It only prolongs your suffering.

Motivation Requires Effort… but It’s Empowering

On the other hand, motivating yourself is hard—especially when you’re exhausted, disheartened, or scared. But it’s also the only path to progress. Motivation doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means looking at your situation honestly and deciding to take action anyway.

When you choose to motivate yourself, you say:

• “This is tough, but I can handle it.”

• “I may not have all the answers, but I can take the next step.”

• “I’m responsible for creating the life I want.”

This mindset isn’t about blind positivity—it’s about empowered choice. And every time you choose motivation over misery, you build mental strength, resilience, and self-trust.

“Whatever Has to Be Done” — Taking Ownership

Another key part of Dyer’s quote is the phrase “Whatever has to be done.” This speaks to the tasks, goals, and responsibilities we all carry. Life often demands things from us—whether it’s going to work, healing from heartbreak, facing illness, or pursuing a dream.

The work is unavoidable. But how we approach it is up to us.

You can face life’s tasks with a sense of dread and resistance, or you can approach them with curiosity, grit, and a willingness to grow. Choosing the latter doesn’t mean it’ll be easy—but it will be more rewarding.

Real-Life Application: Small Shifts, Big Results

Consider someone who just lost their job. The initial reaction might be panic, fear, or even shame. It’s okay to sit with those feelings, but eventually, they must choose: stay stuck in despair or begin taking steps toward something better.

Choosing to motivate themselves might look like:

• Updating their resume

• Reaching out to a mentor or friend

• Learning a new skill online

• Applying for one job a day

Each step might feel small, but it builds momentum. And with each act of self-motivation, their energy begins to shift.

Another example: a student failing a class. They can spend weeks feeling defeated, blaming the teacher or their circumstances—or they can make a new plan. That plan might include studying differently, asking for help, or dedicating extra time to the subject. It’s not magic—it’s a decision.

From Victim to Creator

At the heart of Wayne Dyer’s quote is a call to stop living as a victim of your circumstances and start living as the creator of your experience. Victimhood is passive. It waits for life to change. But being a creator is active. It asks, “What can I do right now, with what I have, to move forward?”

This doesn’t mean you won’t face hardship. It doesn’t mean you won’t have bad days. But it does mean you recognize your ability to choose how you show up in those moments.

And over time, these choices build a life rooted in courage, not fear.

How to Start Motivating Yourself (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed right now, here are a few ways to begin shifting from misery to motivation:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
   It’s okay to feel down—acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward moving through them.

2. Ask Yourself Better Questions
   Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” try, “What can I learn from this?” or “What’s one small thing I can do today?”

3. Break It Down
   Big tasks feel intimidating. Focus on the next right step—no matter how small.

4. Visualize the Outcome
   Imagine how it will feel to complete the task or overcome the challenge. Let that vision pull you forward.

5. Celebrate Progress
   Motivation grows with momentum. Celebrate every bit of progress—even if it’s just showing up.

Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours

Wayne Dyer’s quote—“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice”—is more than just advice. It’s an invitation to reclaim your power. In a world that constantly shifts, where challenges and unpredictability are a part of life, your most reliable source of strength is always you.

You can choose to stay stuck, or you can choose to rise. You can dwell in defeat, or you can take one small step forward. The beauty is: you don’t have to feel ready to make the choice—you just have to make it.

Because no matter the circumstance, your mindset is your greatest tool. Use this Wayne Dyer Quote wisely, and you’ll find that even the hardest seasons can become turning points toward something greater.

So today, ask yourself: Which will I choose—misery or motivation?
Your future depends on the answer.