Here’s all the mid-week motivation you need—icons edition

We’ll paint a picture for you: you’re sitting at your desk, staring into the blank screen of your computer, your chin resting in your palms, and your thoughts racing a millions miles a second—only, they’re not about work or the deadline that’s around the corner. You are visualising all the things you’d rather be doing than being in your monotoned office—hiking a volcano in Iceland, attending a fashion rendezvous in Paris or lounging by the pristine blue waters of Amalfi Coast in your favourite monokini.

It’s one of those days, when you’re questioning your career choice and wondering what it would be like to do whatever you wanted. You’re hardly motivated and wish it was a Friday. Just then, reality hits and you realise—it’s only Wednesday. So, we took a look back at some of the most powerful quotes by icons we all adore—From Coco Chanel to Oprah Winfrey—to remind you of the little things in life, to give you that much-needed inspiration, to push you to live the most romanticised version of your life and to make you smile on a boring, dull day. Read on.

“What I know for sure is that every day brings a chance for you to draw your breath, kick off your shoes, and step out and dance—to live free of regret and filled with as much joy, fun, and laughter as you can stand. You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into shadows of fear and self-doubt.” — Oprah Winfrey 

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."— Coco Chanel 

“As with most things in my life, I believe you should try to enjoy yourself and never feel like you are a slave to a routine.” — Donatella Versace 

“Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive; it’s about being inspired. That’s what it means to be true to yourself.” — Michelle Obama

"If you smile, things will work out." — Serena Williams 

“Open your heart and mind like the wings of a butterfly. See then, how you can fly.” — Zeenat Aman

“Don’t try to squeeze into a glass slipper. Instead, shatter the glass ceiling.” — Priyanka Chopra 

“I deserve it. I'm a diva. I've worked hard. Divas are graceful and talented and strong and fearless and brave and someone with humility... it's an appropriate time to be a diva.” — Beyoncé 

I don’t believe in success, I don’t believe in achievements so to speak. I just believe in relishing every moment of my life. That’s enough for me.”— Rekha 

“Relish challenge of defying all odds stacked against you.” — Sania Mirza