121 Powerful Dwayne Johnson Quotes To Level Yourself Up

He’s successful, the hardest worker in any room, absolutely hilarious, a beast of a human figure and extremely humble. The Rock has always had plenty to say ever since he levelled up to stardom as a wrestler, and then skyrocketed his popularity through transitioning onto the silver screen.

Dwayne Johnson, known as ‘The Rock’ was born in California in 1972 and is an American actor, producer and retired professional wrestler. He has had a long journey, after being evicted with his mother when he was just 14 and suffering depression at the same time through his parents’ separation.

A gifted athlete through school, Johnson was a promising football player in his teens and took a college scholarship at the University of Miami. His football career ended in 1995, before he decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling.

Johnson secured a contract with WWF in 1996 and won his first championship in 1998 to become the first world champion of African-American decent. He remained a wrestler until 2004 and headlined the most-bought professional wrestling pay-per-view (Wrestle Mania XXVII.) Johnson also featured among the most watched episodes of WWE’s two flagship shows Raw and SmackDown. His other wrestling accomplishments include becoming a 10-time world champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a five-time Tag Team Champion, the 2000 Royal Rumble winner and WWE’s sixth Triple Crown champion.

The Rock’s acting career began in 2002, with his first leading film role in The Scorpion King. Johnson has since starred in successful films including The Game Plan, Tooth Fairy, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Hercules, San Andreas, Central Intelligence, Moana, Rampage and Skyscraper. He has also starred in the Fast & Furious series which is one of the highest-grossing film franchises and second adaptations of the Jumanji films.

Expanding his repertoire, Johnson produced and starred in HBO series Ballers for five seasons. The show ranked as HBO’s most-watched comedy in six years. In 2021, Johnson produced and starred in autobiographical series Young Rock.

In 2016 and 2019, The Rock made the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World list. There is no doubt he’s overcome numerous obstacles to achieve his dreams through extreme hard work and willpower. If anyone knows how to level up its Johnson, whose words and journey will forever inspire others to become the best versions of themselves.

1. In 1995 I had $7 bucks in my pocket and knew two things: I’m broke as hell and one day I won’t be.

Dwayne Johnson

2. The road to success and greatness is always paved with consistent hard work.

Dwayne Johnson

3. There is no substitute for hard work. Always be humble and hungry.

Dwayne Johnson

4. Remember, it’s the quiet, consistent hard work we put in when no one is watching that changes the game. 

Dwayne Johnson

5. All successes begin with Self-Discipline. It starts with you.

Dwayne Johnson

6. When you walk up to opportunities door, don’t knock it… Kick that b*tch in, smile and introduce yourself.

Dwayne Johnson

7. Wake up determined. Go to bed satisfied.

Dwayne Johnson

8. Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.

Dwayne Johnson

9. Let your actions do your talking for you.

Dwayne Johnson

10. We do today what they won’t, so tomorrow we accomplish what they can’t.

Dwayne Johnson

11. Blood, sweat, and respect. First two you give. Last one you earn.

Dwayne Johnson

12. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious about your goals.

Dwayne Johnson

13. If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

Dwayne Johnson

14. With drive and a bit of talent, you can move mountains.

Dwayne Johnson

15. Grind hard, Shine hard!

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16. It’s simple. Do it.

Dwayne Johnson

17. One of the most important things you can accomplish is just being yourself.

Dwayne Johnson

18. Just bring it!

Dwayne Johnson

19. I like to use the hard times of the past to motivate me today.

Dwayne Johnson

20. I like to use the hard times of the past to motivate me today.

Dwayne Johnson

21. Two things happen when an athlete gets injured. Some guys say, “;F*ck it, I’m going to wait it out 3-4 months.” But with me and lots of other athletes, you find your eighth or ninth gear – a gear you’ve never gone to before – and say, “I’m going to come back!”

Dwayne Johnson

22. Not only do I think being nice and kind is easy, but being kind, in my opinion is important.

Dwayne Johnson

23. Even the smallest of Monday wins will set you up for success the rest of the week. 

Dwayne Johnson

24. The wall! Your success is on the other side. Can’t jump over it or go around it. You know what to do.

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25. You either play the game or let the game play you.

Dwayne Johnson

26. With drive and a bit of talent, you can move mountains.

Dwayne Johnson

27. It’s not about the car your drive. It’s about the size of your arm hanging out of the window.

Dwayne Johnson

28. When you’re good at something ~ you’ll tell everyone. When you’re GREAT at something ~ they’ll tell you. 

Dwayne Johnson

29. The first step to achieving your goal, is to take a moment to respect your goal. Know what it means to you to achieve it.

Dwayne Johnson

30. Struggle and work hard. Struggle and work hard. 

Dwayne Johnson

31. Training for me is a metaphor for life, period. The dedication, the determination, the desire, the work ethic, the great successes and the great failures – I take that into life.

Dwayne Johnson

32. Unapologetically push for greater and always disrupt expectations.

Dwayne Johnson

33. Success at anything will always come down to this: focus and effort. And we control both.

Dwayne Johnson

34. Chase your greatness and make ‘em tell you. 

Dwayne Johnson

35. Keep calm and shut your mouth.

Dwayne Johnson

36. It ain’t the 99% who’s not putting in the relentless hard work that I care about. It’s the 1% who is.

Dwayne Johnson

37. My work, my goal, my life, it’s like a treadmill. And there’s no stop-button on my treadmill. Once I get on, I just keep going.

Dwayne Johnson

38. Always be you, play chess, not checkers and always play the long game.

Dwayne Johnson

39. I grew up where, when a door closed, a window didn’t open. The only thing I had was cracks. I’d do everything to get through those cracks – scratch, claw, bite, push, bleed. Now the opportunity is here. The door is wide open, and it’s as big as a garage.

Dwayne Johnson

40. I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realise is that you’re not alone.

Dwayne Johnson

41. I never want to just play in the game, I want to change the way the game is played.

Dwayne Johnson

42. Do not go gentle — cause that rent is always due.

Dwayne Johnson

43. I’ll never, ever be full. I’ll always be hungry. Obviously, I’m not talking about food. Growing up I had nothing for such a long time. Someone told me a long time ago and I’ve never forgotten it, ‘Once you’ve ever been hungry, really, really hungry, then you’ll never, ever be full.’ So I’ll always be hungry in some way, driven and motivated to get what I want.

Dwayne Johnson

44. Life is so busy and man I’m grateful for the sweat equity that allows me to balance it all. 

Dwayne Johnson

45. You don’t need directions, just point yourself to the top and go!

Dwayne Johnson

46. It’s always the work we quietly put in when no one is watching that changes the game. 

Dwayne Johnson

47. By 23yrs old, I failed at achieving the biggest dream of my life. My ass was kicked and I was down – but not out. I refused to give up, got back up and pushed on.

Dwayne Johnson

48. Maaaan my mom has been thru it all…divorce, cancer, hit head on by a drunk driver, and even a suicide attempt back when I was 15.  She survived it ALL and ironically, though not surprisingly – my mom is THE kindest, most caring and JOYFUL human being I have ever met. 

Dwayne Johnson

49. When life puts you in touchy situations, don’t say “Why Me?” Just say “Try Me.”

Dwayne Johnson

50. I’ve reached a point in my life where making people feel good really matters to me. Doesn’t matter what color you are, what you do for a living or what’s in your bank account – making people feel good is a super power we all have. 

Dwayne Johnson

51. If something stands between you and your success – move it. Never be denied.

Dwayne Johnson

52. When you have nothing and you’re scratching and clawing for everything you can get – all in the spirit of making your football dreams come true. 

Dwayne Johnson

53. Outwork all competition, be grateful for the grind, don’t run from your demons and if it ever becomes personal, then payback’s a bitch.

Dwayne Johnson

54. You become the hardest worker in the room. 

Dwayne Johnson

55. All success begin with self-discipline. It starts with you.

Dwayne Johnson

56. Vision, guts and enthusiasm. Three qualities I feel you always gotta have to have a shot at success.

Dwayne Johnson

57. We’re not always gonna be the best at whatever it is we do – but we will ALWAYS run thru the line with EVERY. FUCKING. THING. WE. GOT. 

Dwayne Johnson

58. Be the person that when your feet touch the floor in the morning the devil says, “Awe sh”t, they’re up”

Dwayne Johnson

59. I knew in my heart I was going to make it in the CFL – and parlay that into a very successful career in the NFL.

Maybe even win a Super Bowl…

But neither of those dreams came close to coming true. 

Dwayne Johnson

60. I’m focused and determined to help us all live the best lives we possible can starting now. 

Dwayne Johnson

61. I have a little belief that success is never unrelenting. And if success is what we chase – then neither are we.

Dwayne Johnson

62. The CFL sent me home. 

I was still grateful to a man who would eventually become a mentor and friend, Wally Buono for even giving me the opportunity. 

I had $7 bucks. 

Dwayne Johnson

63. Success isn’t always about ‘Greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come.

Dwayne Johnson

64. It’s easy to make someone feel bad. It’s powerful to make someone feel good

Dwayne Johnson

65. Sometimes you find success and sometimes you don’t, but my satisfaction is knowing I’ll always control my effort with my own two hands.

Dwayne Johnson

66. Teremana has become the biggest launch in the HISTORY of spirits. 

Not only tequila, but all spirits. 

Dwayne Johnson

67. As an owner of the XFL, our discussions with the CFL have been very exciting. There’s a real pulse here because you can feel the unique opportunity we can potentially create together. 

Dwayne Johnson

68. We wear many hats throughout the day, so many responsibilities, initiatives and getting pulled in a 1,000 different directions. 

Dwayne Johnson

69. Success will always be driven by focus & effort — and we always control both.

Dwayne Johnson

70. Pushed hard today. Training was inspired. Grateful to grind. 

Dwayne Johnson

71. Don’t focus on the pain. Focus on the progress.

Dwayne Johnson

72. As an owner who’s had his hands in the dirt – my loyalty will always lie with the players and fans. 

Dwayne Johnson

73. Sometimes you get really lucky when the chemistry of an event comes together and explodes into something special for generations to enjoy.

Dwayne Johnson

74. Two hand philosophy. If I can’t earn it, then I don’t want it. My hands might be calloused up and scarred up with a knuckle or two missing (poor punching form;) but they’re mine and serve as my daily anchors for puttin’ in the work.

Dwayne Johnson

75. Despite my taste for trouble, my one redemptive quality as a 14yr old punk, was my desire and ability to work extremely hard. 

Dwayne Johnson

76. Success isn’t overnight. It’s when everyday you get a little better than the day before. It all adds up.

Dwayne Johnson

77. He made HISTORY by becoming the first black world tag team champions with Tony Atlas. 

He was my dad. 

And the hardest working man I knew. 

Dwayne Johnson

78. My goal was never to be the loudest or the craziest. It was to be the most entertaining.

Dwayne Johnson

79. Growing up on the road with my dad – the love was tough and the lessons were hard. 

Dwayne Johnson

80. I was raised by strong women, and that DNA is in my daughter and wife.

Dwayne Johnson

81. Hell didn’t freeze over and Jesus just left Chicago. 

Again. 

Dwayne Johnson

82. Think back 5 years ago. Think of where you’re at today. Think ahead 5 years and what you want to accomplish. Be Unstoppable.

Dwayne Johnson

83. Always speak your truth. And when you do speak your truth – do your best to speak with dignity, compassion, respect, poise and empathy. 

Dwayne Johnson

84. You don’t sign up for a divorce when you get married. It’s very painful. But it’s taught me a great deal about myself.

Dwayne Johnson

85. In and out of the wrestling ring, whether I win or lose – good days or bad days – my right arm raised will always represent my principles and tell my story. 

Dwayne Johnson

86. You have my word, I’ll always do my best to speak my truth with dignity, respect, empathy and GRATITUDE. 

Dwayne Johnson

87. I grew up in a musical family; the majority of my growing up was done in Hawaii. It’s what we do. You sing, you dance, you play ukulele and you drink.

Dwayne Johnson

88. When he speaks to you he speaks with an earnest vibe and an earnest energy.

Dwayne Johnson

89. I’ve always loved the showmanship of professional wrestling. While I love making movies, I love that platform, too.

Dwayne Johnson

90. It’s always important to identify the conversations that really matter – and this conversation is critical – voting. 

Dwayne Johnson

91. WWE is a space where I thrived, and I loved, and I still do. I love connecting with an audience; that is the greatest thing about going back to WWE.

Dwayne Johnson

92. Check your ego at the door. The ego can be the great success inhibitor. It can kill opportunities, and it can kill success.

Dwayne Johnson

93. The men I idolized built their bodies and became somebody – like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger – and I thought, ‘That can be me.’ So I started working out. The funny thing is I didn’t realize back then that I was having a defining moment.

Dwayne Johnson

94. Attitude and enthusiasm play a big part in my life.

Dwayne Johnson

95. I like the idea of working in different genres and transcending genres and hopefully finding success, and ultimately make movies people like.

Dwayne Johnson

96. That wall you meet has your success right on the other side. But you can’t jump over it or go around it. You must simply know what to do.

Dwayne Johnson

97. When I was a kid at four years old, that’s when I started amateur wrestling with my dad and family. And when that’s instilled in you, it never goes away.

Dwayne Johnson

98. There’s no substitute for hard work and getting out there and busting your butt at whatever it is.

Dwayne Johnson

99. Football changed my life and it gave me a platform to get out my aggression and it gave me a sense of value.

Dwayne Johnson

100. Being a true badass has no weight or gender requirement — just 100% commitment to greatness.

Dwayne Johnson

101. I like to use the hard times in the past, to motivate me today.

Dwayne Johnson

102. Hard work never stops. Neither should your dreams.

Dwayne Johnson

103. Wrestling was like stand-up comedy for me.

Dwayne Johnson

104. You know why rabbit rhymes with habit? Because it takes your whole life down a f*cking bunny hole.

Dwayne Johnson

105. All of the men I knew who had achieved success were all men of great physical stature. And I knew that they all got that way through sweat equity — putting callouses on their hands.

Dwayne Johnson

106. I get excited about the things that inspire me. I also believe in laughing and having a good time.

Dwayne Johnson

107. The one thing I couldn’t identify with was the blue cowboy outfit he put on. I was a bit challenged when I was younger to stay on the right path.

Dwayne Johnson

108. Heat is up. 

Work is hard. 

Now we go to school. 

And Jesus just left Chicago. 

Again.

Dwayne Johnson

109. I’m very low-key. I don’t really blend in, so it’s difficult to go out in public. I like to do things that are kind of quiet, whether it’s a dinner at my house or a restaurant, or a movie night at home.

Dwayne Johnson

110. I loved wrestling Kenny around the world and we had some classic matches.

Dwayne Johnson

111. Nothing comes easy. You can overcome so much just through hard, focused work.

Dwayne Johnson

112. I want someone who can trust that my big hands are going to take care of them.

Dwayne Johnson

113. We all work hard to earn our cheat meals so I never mind staying up late to enjoy what I’ve earned. 

Dwayne Johnson

114. Training is my anchor every day, regardless of whether I’m on a set or at home.

Dwayne Johnson

115. Kicking ass on Monday, sets the tone, temperament and work ethic for the rest of the week. 

It’ll set you up for SUCCESS. 

Dwayne Johnson

116. I don’t mind making fun of myself. I like self-deprecating comedy. But I’d like you to laugh with me occasionally, too.

Dwayne Johnson

117. I like the idea of making a big, fun, adventure type of movie.

Dwayne Johnson

118. Surround yourself with the best in class and get after your holy grail. 

Dwayne Johnson

119. Outwork your competitors, be authentic, and above all else, chase your greatness.

Dwayne Johnson

120. Well, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day.

And tell the world that everything’s okay. 

But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back. 

Till things are brighter… 

Dwayne Johnson

121. My philosophy is, it’s always very rewarding when you can make an audience laugh.

Dwayne Johnson