It is indeed that time again. The time when you run out of steam for the semester and you have lost hope that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some inspirational quotes to help you break that plateau and lean for the tape.

1. "Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts … good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with." -Michelle Obama

The people that populate your world influence you more than you think. Choose them wisely. Some you can't shake, like that ornery professor who just doesn't understand your stress level, but the others are in your hands. Associate with people who are going to love you as much as you love them, who will be at your door with ice cream when you get dumped and with cookies to celebrate the A you got on your physics midterm. The first lady is right; don't bring people into your life who will just suck your batteries dry.

2. "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop." -Confucius

We all know how it feels to be bogged down in homework, studying, work, relationships, and all that jazz. Just remember that the most important thing is that you keep trucking. Being a young adult in the twenty-first century is no easy task, but look how far you've come! Every step you take is getting you closer to your goals.

3. "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." -Oprah Winfrey

As scary as it sounds, this is the time when we make the most crucial decisions of our lives. So go after what you want. The universe isn't just going to plop your degree, the perfect job, or the perfect person in your lap. You need to get up and work for what you want. Sometimes all that means is asking for it. My mom always told me "no one ever got a black eye from being told 'no'." So go ahead, ask. What's the worse that could happen?

4. "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." -The Emperor, Mulan

(You know I had to add some Disney in here somewhere, right?) Adversity is a tough thing to handle. It always throws a wrench into our plans, but we have to find a way to work with it. Embrace the challenges in your life; you'll come out the other side stronger than you ever imagined.

5."I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself." -Mikhail Baryshnikov

Baryshnikov's wisdom can and should be applied to all arenas of your life. Don't compare yourself to others, and definitely don't compare yourself to the idea of "perfect". The only thing you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday, because the only one who will be there tomorrow is the person you are today.

6. "Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, just let it roll off." -Hillary Clinton

Take it from someone who knows a thing or two about critics. Most of the time they're just out there to break you down. Listen to their words and comments, but don't wear your heart on your sleeve. If the words have meaningful content, apply them; if not, move on and don't look back.

7. "Educating the mind without educating the heart is not education at all." -Aristotle

Your education is the most important thing you can be investing in right now. So squeeze out every drop of knowledge you can. It doesn't matter if you're a bio-medical engineering major who has to take Survey of Jazz for your fine arts credit, there's something you can get out of that class. Find passion in the things you're learning. You'll be a better student and a better citizen for it.

8. "Well done is better than well said." -Benjamin Franklin

Actions speak louder than words, my friends. Don't just talk about your goals and dreams, but get up and take the steps necessary to reach them.

9. "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." -Eleanor Roosevelt

You do you. Other people's private lives are none of your business. Leave them be. Gossiping and prying into the affairs of others is really a waste of your time. Do it for their sake, and do it for your sake.

10. "Don't save things for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion." -Thomas S. Monson

Today is all you're guaranteed, so make it count. Don't wait around to do something you've always wanted to do. Hike that mountain. Ask that person on a date. Buy that cool thing you've been saving for. Make your life worth living! Every day you have is gift, so value the ones you have. You don't want to look back at the end of your life and wish you had taken more chances and had more adventures.