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13 Great Motivational YouTube Videos To Get Inspired For Success & Take Action

Sometimes a quick speech and interview can do wonders for inspiration. Whether it’s shifting your mindset or pushing you closer to the success you crave, this collection of motivational YouTube videos aims to do just that.

Motivation is defined as the state or condition of being motivated or having a strong reason to act or accomplish something.

That strong reason to accomplish something could be related to your health and fitness, professional career, financial situation, personal life or any other element you’re inclined to act on.

The key is in the word act.

Acting. Trying. Doing. Pursuing. Failing. Pushing. Learning. Overcoming.

The inspiration words of others have the ability to get you motivated, excited and engaged to make that change or shift. The ball is then in your court to take action and make momentum. Here are 13 great motivational YouTube videos to get you inspired, motivated and energized.

Note: some of these videos contain explicit language and graphic descriptions of racism, bullying, depression and other troublesome situations, so please use caution.

1.) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

This is the Last Lecture from the late Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. The lecture occured on September 18, 2007 and Mr. Pausch would unfortunately pass away on July 25, 2008.

The concept of the lecture was built around the framework of “what would your last lecture be about?”. If you had to give a final lecture, what would that entail? This was an unfortunate reality for Randy after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The theme of Mr. Pausch’s presentation is “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. The life lessons and inspiration provided by Randy are applicable to all walks of life. The lecture runs over an hour long (76 minutes) so you’ll need some time to digest it.

The lecture has been viewed close to 20 million times and the book, The Last Lecture, has been published in over 35 languages.

2.) How Bad Do You Want It by Eric Thomas

The next motivational YouTube video comes at you with passion and energy. Eric Thomas (aka ET The Hip Hop Preacher) is giving a lecture to students at Michigan State University on hard work, dedication and mindset.

One of the lines that stands out is, “when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful”.

At 14 minutes, this speech from ET is a quick but engaging listen. It’s high-energy and passionate with 4 million views and counting.

So how bad do you want it?

3.) Programming Your Mind For Success by Carrie Green

Recorded at a 2014 TEDx event in Manchester, this motivational video features entrepreneur Carrie Green.

Who is Carrie Green?

In 2011, Carrie launched the Female Entrepreneur Association as a way to help inspire and connect female entrepreneurs from around the world. The network has grown to over 140,000 women

The video takes time to build and it’s not a overly energetic or dramatic as some of the other motivational videos included here (no heroic music in the background). However, when it comes to finding success and getting inspired…it starts with your mind.

You need to believe.

4.) Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

This speech from Steve Jobs (the late CEO and Co-Founder of Apple) occurred at the 114th Commencement of Stanford University on June 12, 2005. The video has been viewed over 30 million times on this version that was uploaded directly by Stanford.

The theme and focus of the speech is on overcoming setbacks, taking what life gives you, moving forward and chasing your dreams. The way Jobs shares these themes is through 3 stories from his own life and experiences.

From adoption at birth to not graduating postsecondary school through to becoming the head of one of the most revolutionary consumer product companies, it’s rooted in providing these Stanford grads inspiration as they enter the “real world”.

As the 15:04 speech continues it starts to build momentum.

The speech isn’t as “raa raa” as some of the other motivational YouTube videos included here. However, I still find the central messages and experiences shared by Jobs to be very moving given the target audience.

5.) Win The Morning, WIN THE DAY from Team Fearless

If you’ve visited the blog before, you know I’m a big fan of morning routines. So much so that I say waking up at 5AM changed my life and abide the same mantra of win the morning, win the day.

The voiceover and music isn’t as hard-hitting or energetic as some of the other motivational videos included below. It’s more wavy and airy but the mission is the same; to inspire and motivate you for success.

The Win The Morning, Win The Day video runs through some tactics and tips to peak productivity in the morning and start your day off in a positive mindset.

You don’t have to be a morning person to appreciate the message here. Even if you’re a night owl or most productive and inspired in the afternoon, there are takeaways to apply to your life too.

6.) Driven by David Goggins

A name that runs synonymously with motivation and inspiration is David Goggins. David is an ultramarathon runner, triathlete, world record holder and retired Navy SEAL.

Life wasn’t always that way for David as he shares in this video.

Overcoming a difficult start to life in a negative situation has given David the perspective to know that everything he has now achieved and accomplished has come from being driven.

If you’ve ever seen videos of David working out or describing his fitness mindset, you know driven is an understatement. This video helps highlight that.

Quit isn’t a word that crosses his mind.

7.) Be The Hero by Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan, the king of the iTunes Podcast chart, world touring stand up comic and UFC commentator, is renowned for some of his motivational “rants”.

“Be The Hero” is a phrase Joe has used a number of times on his podcast.

When you close your eyes and picture your ideal state or when you’re writing the perfect biography of your own life, how does that version of you differ from the current you? Be the hero, be that ideal state.

Fitness, family, friends, focus, breaking the mold, finding happiness, being a good person and a dozen other topics, Joe hits on all of it.

8.) Why Do We Fall – Motivational Compilation

Next up is a compilation mixing a collection of movie quotes, moments from speeches and other soundbytes. From Will Smith to various professional athletes, the contributors are all speaking towards the common themes of pain, overcoming the odds, getting back up again, triumph, hardwork and so on.

It’s a classic package of visuals, voiceovers and a supporting soundtrack aimed to build emotion and inspire. Given the role athletics plays within the theme of the video, this is a good one to watch before working out or competing in sports.

Sitting at over 57 million views this one has clearly struck a chord with many.

9.) Never, Ever Give Up by DDP Yoga

This inclusion is from DDP Yoga. Yes DDP, the former WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. Since returning from pro wrestling, DDP has gone onto launch a successful yoga, fitness and inspiration system.

The feature highlights a DDP Yoga member, Arthur Boorman.

Arthur was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

15 million views and counting with hundreds of comments about being brought to tears.

Powerful, inspiring and motivational.

10.) Lone Wolf – For All Those Fighting Battles Alone by Team Fearless

Another inspirational video from the crew behind the YouTube channel Team Fearless. This feature focuses on those who are currently heading the journey alone.

The Lone Wolf.

We’ve likely all been there before at some point in our professional and personal lives. Or perhaps when attending university. Challenging times build character and that push to reach new heights will deliver the greatest outcomes if the work is all from your doing.

Rich of a raa-raa and motivational sayings, the video is a short but inspiring listen for those in a specific mindset.

11.) The Psychology of Greatness – Motivational Video

With The Psychology of Greatness we’re going back to another compilation video featuring sound clips and video snippets from various athletes, entertainers and motivating folks.

There is some slight overlap in content with the other mash-up video but nonetheless, the message here is strong.

Mindset and determination can go along way to getting that momentum going.

12.) The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout Will Change Your Life from Rick Rigsby

The 12th motivational YouTube video is a graduation speech at CSU from Rick Rigsby.

This powerful speech focuses on how Rick’s father’s guidance helped him navigate his journey through life – in both good times and bad times. His father was a third grade dropout and knew the struggles that life can be bring…but also the beauty.

Packaging up inspirational quotes, first-hand experiences and some laughs, the speech carries a great message and pace throughout.

At 6.5 million views and counting, this video will continue to circulate the web.

13.) Good by Jocko Willink

Here is a hard-hitting feature from Jocko Willink to round things out. Who is Jocko? A former Navy SEAL officer and now author, podcaster and entrepreneur.

You might’ve seen his TED Talk or one of the many other viral motivational YouTube videos that have been produced.

This video only runs at 2:19 but don’t let that fool you.

The focus of “Good” is about dealing with failure and overcoming the challenges presented in your life. No matter how tough the situation might be, answer it with “Good”. The life lessons and opportunities to grow from the letdowns, heartaches and mistakes outweigh those downsides.

Take that “Good” mindset the next time life tries to knock you down.

Conclusion: Motivational YouTube Videos

Life can be stressful, discouraging and full of despair. However, it can also be full of success, triumph and inspiration.

A short motivation YouTube video might not change your life in that instant but it could plant that seed to get whatever change or shift you want to make started.

Whether it’s working out, finding a new job, taking care of loved ones, being a happier person or pushing through when times are tough, the powerful words of inspiration and support can truly do wonders.