30 Stephen Curry Quotes to Elevate Your Mindset and Motivation

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Written By Kim Nunley

Former basketball player. Now a fan. Founder of Home School Hoops. 

Whether you’re seeking motivation, guidance of ambition, or insights into achieving success, these Stephen Curry quotes can inspire you. Considered the best shooter in basketball history, Steph Curry has redefined the game with his unparalleled long-range shooting. Even though he wasn’t highly regarded when he was younger because of his size, Curry’s hard work and self-belief turned him into a journey four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers. His story shows how determination and skill can lead to great success, which we can all learn from.

Besides being an outstanding basketball player with nine NBA All-Star selections, Curry is also known for his commitment to his family and making a positive impact in the world. This makes him a role model worth listening to. Here, we bring together 30 Stephen Curry quotes that capture his wisdom, humility, and relentless work ethic.

Stephen Curry Motivational Quotes

Stephen Curry’s path from being underrated in college to becoming an NBA legend teaches us about hope and fighting through tough times. He shows us that believing in yourself and facing challenges with courage can shape your future. Below, check out some of Stephen Curry’s most motivational quotes, each packed with a strong message about staying hopeful and tackling hurdles.

1. Stay Optimistic

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "I always have an optimistic view, no matter what it is."

“I always have an optimistic view, no matter what it is.”

Curry teaches us the power of staying positive, no matter how hard things get. He believes that looking at the bright side can help us through difficult times, showing how important it is to stay hopeful.

2. Failing is Part of the Process

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "If you don't fall, how are you going to know what getting up is like?"

“If you don’t fall, how are you going to know what getting up is like?”

Through this quote, Curry reminds us that failing is a step toward success. Every time we fall and get back up, we grow stronger and more capable of facing future challenges.

3. Preparation Leads to Good Stress

A Stephen Curry motivational quote graphic that reads: "I've never been afraid of big moments."

“I’ve never been afraid of big moments. I get butterflies. I get nervous and anxious, but I think those are all good signs that I’m ready for the moment.”

This Steph Curry quote tells us that feeling nervous or anxious before something big isn’t bad; it means we’re prepared and ready to face it. Curry sees these feelings as signs of being ready for important moments.

4. Ignore What Other People Say

An inspirational Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Honestly, I could care less about other people's opinions about me."

“Honestly, I could care less about other people’s opinions about me.”

Here, Curry highlights the importance of believing in yourself and not letting others’ opinions affect your self-esteem or your path to your goals. It’s a reminder to trust in ourselves and our abilities.

5. Use Failure for Drive

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "You don't want to see us next year."

“You don’t want to see us next year.”

Curry’s confidence and challenge to his competitors show his determination and belief in his team’s ability to improve and succeed. It encourages us to use setbacks as motivation to come back stronger.

6. Success Doesn’t Fall Out of the Sky

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Success is born out of faith, an undying passion, and a relentless drive."

“Success is born out of faith, an undying passion, and a relentless drive.”

This quote sums up Curry’s formula for success: a mix of belief, passion, and hard work. It tells us that success comes from not just having talent but also from continuous effort and belief in what we do.

Stephen Curry Inspirational Quotes

Stephen Curry’s journey and achievements are full of inspiration. He talks about success, facing failures, and the power of believing in oneself, pushing us to go after our dreams with confidence and strength. Below, find some of Stephen Curry’s most inspirational quotes that encourage us to take control of our destiny and stay strong through all challenges.

7. Believe In Yourself

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I'm going to make it."

“Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I’m going to make it.”

Curry shares one secret behind his shots: strong self-belief. He shows us that trusting in our abilities is key, no matter what we’re facing.

8. You Can Create Your Destiny

A Stephen Curry motivational quote graphic that reads: "You manifest your own destiny."

“You manifest your own destiny.”

Here, Curry reminds us that our future is in our hands. Our dreams and hard work shape our destiny, telling us that with effort and belief, anything is possible.

9. Embrace Failure

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "[Failure] is what makes a great player and person in general."

“[Failure] is what makes a great player and person in general. Just being able to deal with failure, frustrations, not living up to your own expectations and not letting yourself get defeated.”

Curry teaches us that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. He urges us to learn from our setbacks and keep moving forward, building strength and character along the way.

10. Risk Taker

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "I'm not the guy who's afraid of failure. I like to take risks, take the big shot and all that."

“I’m not the guy who’s afraid of failure. I like to take risks, take the big shot and all that.”

This quote shows Curry’s approach to basketball and life: not being afraid to fail. He encourages us to take risks and embrace the big moments, as they are steps on the path to success.

11. Strength in Adversity

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "I think it's laughable that people will want to invalidate my career after 5 mediocre games."

“I think it’s laughable that people will want to invalidate my career after 5 mediocre games. Every one of my rings came against a man they consider the greatest ever. If I’m overrated, what does that make him?”

Curry’s reply to critics highlights his resilience and self-confidence. He tells us to believe in our achievements, even when others try to belittle them, showing the importance of self-worth.

12. Confidence After Mistakes

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "[Mistakes] are going to happen. There's no avoiding that. Just make sure that doesn't kill your confidence or change the way you play."

“[Mistakes] are going to happen. There’s no avoiding that. Just make sure that doesn’t kill your confidence or change the way you play.”

Curry advises us to expect mistakes but not to let them shake our confidence or change who we are. It’s a powerful message about staying confident and true to ourselves, no matter what.

Stephen Curry Quotes on Ambition

Stephen Curry shares his thoughts on how to succeed, reminding us it’s about doing our best and staying true to ourselves. Here, his words inspire us to work hard for our dreams and show us that ambition means putting our dreams into action, step by step.

13. Success is a Choice

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Success is not an accident, success is actually a choice."

“Success is not an accident, success is actually a choice.”

With this Steph Curry quote, he tells us that being successful isn’t just luck; it’s about choosing to work toward our goals every day. This idea encourages us to make choices that lead us closer to our dreams.

14. Be Your Best Self

A Stephen Curry ambition quote graphic that reads: "Be the best version of yourself in anything you do. You don't have to live any body else's story."

“Be the best version of yourself in anything you do. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.”

This message from Curry urges us to focus on being our true selves and not to copy someone else’s life. It’s about growing to be the best we can be, on our unique path.

15. Give Persistent Effort

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Plant seeds every single day that you know who you are, you know what you're about and you know what goals you've set for yourself."

“Plant seeds every single day that you know who you are, you know what you’re about and you know what goals you’ve set for yourself.”

Curry is saying that we should work a little every day, knowing who we are and what we want to achieve. It’s a reminder that steady effort leads to success.

16. Drive, Dedication, and Desire

A Stephen Curry inspirational quote graphic that reads: "I've always believed that success for anyone is all about drive, dedication, and desire, but for me, it's also been about confidence and faith."

“I’ve always believed that success for anyone is all about drive, dedication, and desire, but for me, it’s also been about confidence and faith.”

Here, Curry shares that success isn’t just about wanting it; it’s also about having the drive to get there and the belief in ourselves to make it happen. It’s a mix of wanting it, working for it, and believing in it.

17. Preparation Builds Confidence

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "There's a reason that I have confidence out there, and it's about how I prepare for games and for series and seasons and whatnot ..."

“There’s a reason that I have confidence out there, and it’s about how I prepare for games and for series and seasons and whatnot, so we’ve got to stick with that kind of thought process.”

Curry explains that being ready and prepared gives him confidence. This shows us that preparing well for whatever we face can help us feel more confident in our abilities.

18. Mastering Your Art

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Basketball isn't just a sport. It is an art, one that must be mastered to succeed."

“Basketball isn’t just a sport. It is an art, one that must be mastered to succeed.”

With this quote, Curry tells us that basketball, like any passion, is something you can get better at over time. It’s about practicing and mastering what you love to do, just like an artist perfects their craft.

Stephen Curry Quotes on Humility

Stephen Curry teaches us that even with great success, it’s important to remember where we come from and what truly matters: our faith, family, and the goal to always get better. His words shine a light on being humble, showing us that even a basketball star knows the importance of staying true to oneself, caring for others, and always working to improve. Let’s look at what Curry says about keeping our feet on the ground, no matter how high we fly.

19. Playing for a Higher Purpose

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "I do a little sign on the court every time I make a shot or a good pass and I pound my chest and point to the sky ..."

“I do a little sign on the court every time I make a shot or a good pass and I pound my chest and point to the sky – it symbolizes that I have a heart for God. It’s something that my mom and I came up with in college and I do it every time I step on the floor as a reminder of who I’m playing for.”

Curry shares a personal ritual that connects his performance with his faith. This act is a way for him to remember and show gratitude for his talents, which he believes are blessings.

20. Family Over Everything

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "There's more to life than basketball."

“There’s more to life than basketball. The most important thing is your family and taking care of each other and loving each other no matter what.”

Here, Curry reminds us that no matter our achievements, family is what truly matters. It’s a heartwarming nudge to always cherish and prioritize our loved ones.

21. Never Stop Improving

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "Being a superstar means you've reached your potential, and I don't think I've reached my potential as a basketball player and as a leader yet."

“Being a superstar means you’ve reached your potential, and I don’t think I’ve reached my potential as a basketball player and as a leader yet.”

Curry talks about the endless journey of self-improvement. He believes there’s always room to grow and better oneself, showing his relentless drive to excel further.

22. Creating Something Greater

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "It's the ability to create something that's bigger than yourself."

“It’s the ability to create something that’s bigger than yourself. To be as present as possible for the people in your life.”

This quote from Curry highlights the importance of making a positive impact on others’ lives and contributing to something beyond personal success. It’s about being there for others and creating lasting bonds.

23. Accepting Outcomes

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "I'll live with the results, whether I miss and coach shakes his head, or I make it and everybody claps for me."

“I’ll live with the results, whether I miss and Coach shakes his head, or I make it and everybody claps for me.”

Curry embraces the outcomes of his actions, whether they lead to praise or disappointment. This attitude shows his maturity in accepting both successes and failures as part of the journey.

24. Prioritizing Team Success

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "I'd rather be a non-All-Star playing in the Western Conference Finals than an All-Star who's sitting at home in May."

“I’d rather be a non-All-Star playing in the Western Conference finals than an All-Star who’s sitting at home in May.”

This statement by Curry puts the spotlight on valuing team success over personal glory. It’s a powerful message about putting collective goals ahead of individual recognition.

Stephen Curry Quotes on Work Ethic

Stephen Curry shows us that the path to greatness in any field is through hard work and staying dedicated. He inspires us with his journey, proving that challenges can be overcome and excellence is achieved with determination. These Steph Curry quotes shed light on the power of persistence, a good routine, and the idea that anyone can reach success with the right mindset and effort.

25. Overcoming Obstacles

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Success comes after you conquer your biggest obstacles and hurdles."

“Success comes after you conquer your biggest obstacles and hurdles.”

Curry tells us that real success comes from working hard to move past difficult times or challenges. It’s a reminder that keeping going, even when things get tough, is how we achieve our dreams.

26. Give Your Best Effort

A Stephen Curry ambition quote graphic that reads: "Whatever you do, give your best effort. Or, you'll never know what might have been."

“Whatever you do, give your best effort. Or, you’ll never know what might have been.”

This advice from Curry encourages us to always try our hardest. It means if we want to reach our goals, we need to put in our best effort in everything we do.

27. The Power of Routine

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "The biggest thing is just routine."

“The biggest thing is just routine. I think that’s the biggest correlation between golfers and basketball players.”

Here, Curry highlights how important a routine is to success, in basketball, golf, or any area of life. A steady routine helps us get better and stay disciplined.

28. Success for Everyone

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "Sometimes people make it seem like you have to have certain prerequisites or a crazy life story in order to be successful in this world. But the truth is you really don't."

“Sometimes people make it seem like you have to have certain prerequisites or a crazy life story in order to be successful in this world. But the truth is you really don’t.”

Curry is saying that you don’t need a special background or story to succeed. Success is about working hard and staying committed, no matter who you are or where you come from.

29. Hard Work Required

A Stephen Curry quote graphic that reads: "We're going to have to work. We're going to have to play well. Nothing will be given to us."

“We’re going to have to work. We’re going to have to play well. Nothing will be given to us.”

This quote is a reminder from Curry that success and victory aren’t just given to us; they’re earned through hard work and playing our best.

30. Confidence Built on Work

A Steph Curry quote graphic that reads: "It's a confidence that's built on the foundation of work and the reps I put in."

“It’s a confidence that’s built on the foundation of work and the reps I put in.”

Curry shares that his confidence comes from practicing and working hard. This shows us that confidence and success come from putting in the effort and preparing well.

FAQs

What is Stephen Curry’s famous quote?

Stephen Curry’s famous quote is: “Success is not an accident, success is actually a choice.” He suggests that achieving success comes from making deliberate choices and putting in the effort, rather than happening by chance.

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