Inspirational quotes from successful actors can serve as hallmarks for unknown performers hustling to follow their dreams. Nothing lifts up a fellow entertainer like hearing a motivational quip from someone who has been there. Especially on the tough days. From teetering on the verge of giving up to not feeling good enough, here are 15 reminders from famous actors that you are in the right place.

Love yourself.

“You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda

“I think you find your own way. You have your own rules. You have your own understanding of yourself, and that’s what you’re going to count on. In the end, it’s what feels right to you.” – Meryl Streep

“What sets you apart can feel like a burden, but it’s not. A lot of the time it’s what makes you great.” – Emma Stone

“I was too old, too young, too fat, too thin, too tall, too short, too blond, too dark – but at some point, they’re going to need the other. So I’d get really good at being the other.” – Frances McDormand

“There’s enough room in the spotlight for all of us.” – Laverne Cox

Realize that failure is part of the journey.

“The only failure is not to try.” – George Clooney

“If you know you are going to fail, then fail gloriously.” – Cate Blanchett

“Your ability to adapt to failure and navigate your way out of it, absolutely, one hundred percent, makes you who you are…” – Viola Davis

“I think imperfections are important, just as mistakes are important. You only get to be good by making mistakes, and you only get to be real by being imperfect.” – Julianne Moore

“Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not the end of the world, and in many ways, it’s the first step toward learning something and getting better at it.” – John Hamm

If your dream is to act, be persistent and don’t give up. 

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” – Julie Andrews

“Never stop fighting. Never stop dreaming. Don’t be afraid of wearing your heart on your sleeve… For a long time… maybe I felt inauthentic or something, like my voice wasn’t worth hearing… So if you’ve got something to say, say it from the rooftops.” – Tom Hiddleston

“The journey to become a working actor is a long and difficult one that requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. But it also requires something more obscure and out of your control: luck. Without a little luck on your side, you can be the most talented actor in the world and not achieve success. That’s the hard truth about this profession.” – Jenna Fischer

“When you prepare for the opportunity, and the opportunity comes: you truly, truly know what luck is.” – Regina King

Although following the path of your dreams can occasionally feel lonely, remember that many have walked before you. Taking a moment to stop and listen to the luminaries we admire always proves to be a worthwhile and inspiring venture. Above all else, it reminds us that we are exactly where we need to be. Keep walking.

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Robert Peterpaul is a writer and actor, who can be seen in James Franco’s film King Cobra, T-Mobile ad campaigns, and Amazon Prime’s New Dogs, Old Tricks. Other career highlights include: working on NBC’s Access Hollywood and America’s Got Talent, BUILD Series, writing for the Huffington Post, and his family’s nonprofit the Thomas Peterpaul Foundation, which aims to end pediatric cancer. Robert currently serves as the Weekend Editor for HOLA! USA and writes for publications like Backstage. He’s studied at the Barrow Group, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, UCB and earned a B.A. from Marist College (go, red foxes!). Robert thanks you for reading and hopes you’ll follow your bliss! www.robertpeterpaul.com