My Mottoes
The poem, My Mottoes, offers inspiring sayings to guide and motivate your new year.
Updated December 8, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
The start of a new year brings a chance to reflect and grow, and My Mottoes by E. A. R. Shepherd reminds us of the power of meaningful sayings to guide us. By choosing a motto for the year, we can face life's challenges with wisdom, kindness, and purpose. These simple yet impactful phrases encourage us to embrace each day, learn from our mistakes, and find greatness in small, everyday acts. As we step into the new year, the poet, E. A. R. Shepherd, inspires us to let mottos lead the way to a more thoughtful and fulfilling life.
My Mottoes
by E. A. R. Shepherd
A little girl of eight years once asked me what a motto was.
I told her it was a few helpful words, or a quotation from some
great writer or poet, that we should renew every year, and
when we are in sorrow or trouble, go to our motto, read it
over, and we will be surprised at the help we receive from it.
I have a motto for the new year. I have it printed in large
letters and have hung it on the wall. It is this:
"True greatness consists of being great in little things."
The little duties that we have to meet every day, especially
when it is the same thing over and over again, are sometimes
very trying, and we think we are not doing anything very
great or helpful, but it is these little things that are of the
greatest help if done in the right way.
One year I had this motto:
"Mistakes are lessons of wisdom."
If I made a mistake in anything I used to worry over
it terribly, and by worrying I made worse mistakes.
But since I've had this motto I never worry over past mistakes,
but as I grow older I profit by them and look forward.
Another motto I had and which is the last one I will mention
was this 'To cultivate kindness is a great part of the business
of life.
"If we always showed kindness to everyone we should
always be happy.
The best way to overcome evil is to do good
and to be kind to all about us. If we try to do that everybody
will love us.
Keep a motto for each year and see how helpful it will be.
I am sure a motto has helped me greatly.
Key Points from this poem:
The start of a new year offers a perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and grow. My Mottoes by E. A. R. Shepherd beautifully highlights how adopting a simple yet powerful saying can guide us through the year with purpose and resolve. By choosing a motto, we gain a steady reminder to face challenges with intention, live meaningfully, and inspire positive change.
-
Greatness in Small Actions
Shepherd teaches us that "True greatness consists of being great in little things." Life is often filled with routine tasks that may seem insignificant, but when done with care and purpose, these small efforts create the foundation for a fulfilling life. Choosing a motto that emphasizes the value of small actions can inspire us to embrace daily responsibilities with pride and gratitude.
-
Learn and Grow from Mistakes
With the motto "Mistakes are lessons of wisdom," Shepherd reminds us that the new year is a chance to let go of worry over past missteps. Instead, we can learn from our mistakes and move forward with wisdom and hope. A motto like this encourages us to face setbacks as opportunities for growth, guiding us to a more resilient and optimistic outlook.
-
The Power of Kindness
Another of Shepherd’s mottos says, "To cultivate kindness is a great part of the business of life." As we step into the new year, choosing kindness as a guiding principle can transform both our lives and the lives of those around us. Kindness, expressed through small, daily actions, spreads joy, builds harmony, and makes the world a better place.
Popular Pages:
Year End Poem - Reflect on the past year with heartfelt verses to inspire new beginnings.
Life Mottos - Timeless words that can guide and inspire you every day.
Poem of Hope and Reflection for the New Year - Celebrate new beginnings with an inspiring reflection.
Little Things Poems - Discover the beauty in small acts with poems that highlight life's simple joys.
Poems About Hope - Embrace optimism and start the new year with poems that renew your hope.
Poems About Worry - Let go of fear and find peace with these encouraging poems about overcoming worry.
Positive Poems - Fill your new year with positivity and motivation through uplifting poems.
New Year Quotes - Kick off the year with wise and inspiring quotes to guide your journey.
Conclusion
As you reflect on My Mottoes, may you be inspired to choose a guiding thought that lifts your heart and steady your steps in the year ahead. A motto can remind you to slow down, to learn from each moment, and to look for the good in every day. These simple words can strengthen courage, soften worries, and help you grow in kindness.
As you move forward, let your chosen motto encourage you to live with purpose and hope. Even small efforts can create meaningful change when you follow a message that speaks to your spirit. May this new year bring new insight, steady growth, and a motto that supports you every step of the way.
More New Year Poems