When life gets tough, having a reminder to “keep going” can be just the motivation you need. A tattoo can serve as a personal mantra, reminding you to push forward, no matter what challenges come your way.
Whether it’s a small word on your wrist or a detailed design on your back, a “keep going” tattoo is a beautiful and permanent way to carry motivation with you. In this blog post, I’ll share “keep going” tattoo ideas to inspire you.
Each design will have a short personal description, meaning, placement suggestion, and why I love it. Let’s dive in!
Minimalist Script Tattoo
A simple, elegant script tattoo of the phrase “keep going” can be timeless and powerful. The delicate letters can serve as a reminder to stay persistent during tough moments.
Meaning: This tattoo is all about subtlety and strength. It’s a quiet reminder that no matter how hard things get, you have the power to continue.
Placement: I think this would look great on your wrist, behind your ear, or along your forearm.
Why I Love It: Sometimes, simplicity is the most beautiful and powerful. A small script tattoo like this feels intimate yet impactful.
Typewriter Font Tattoo
For those who love vintage and nostalgic designs, a typewriter font tattoo is an excellent choice. The words “keep going” written in this old-school style can feel timeless, almost as if they are printed on a page.
Meaning: The typewriter font connects the message to the past, emphasizing that perseverance is an age-old virtue that continues to guide us.
Placement: This would look stunning on your upper arm, side of the ribs, or even along your ankle.
Why I Love It: It has a retro vibe and can feel like a written letter to yourself, always reminding you to keep pushing forward.
Foreign Language Tattoo
What better way to express perseverance than in a foreign language? “Keep going” can be translated into various languages like “continúa” in Spanish or “進み続ける” (susumi tsuzukeru) in Japanese.
Meaning: A foreign language version adds depth and uniqueness to your tattoo. It shows that the power to keep going is universal.
Placement: The side of your ribs or on your collarbone can be ideal for a subtle, yet significant tattoo in another language.
Why I Love It: It’s a little more personal and secretive, as others might not understand the meaning unless they know the language. It adds a layer of intimacy.
Arrow and Text Tattoo
An arrow tattoo with the words “keep going” running along the shaft of the arrow is a great way to symbolize forward movement and direction. Arrows are classic symbols of perseverance, and this tattoo puts an empowering twist on it.
Meaning: Arrows represent progress, strength, and the constant movement forward. It’s a perfect visual representation of not looking back and continuing to go forward.
Placement: This design works well along the forearm, side of your leg, or down the spine.
Why I Love It: Arrows carry so much meaning, and with the added text, it feels like the tattoo is telling you exactly where to go—forward.
Mountain Range Tattoo
Mountains are symbols of challenges and overcoming obstacles. A mountain range with “keep going” written along the peaks or at the base is a stunning way to incorporate the message of resilience.
Meaning: This tattoo reflects that life’s obstacles may seem insurmountable, but just like mountains, you can conquer them by continuing to move upward.
Placement: A mountain range tattoo could fit beautifully across the back, or along your forearm.
Why I Love It: The combination of nature and perseverance is both calming and powerful, making it a meaningful design for anyone going through tough times.
Compass Tattoo
A compass tattoo with the words “keep going” in place of the directional markers will remind you that no matter where life takes you, you always have the inner direction to keep moving forward.
Meaning: The compass represents guidance and navigation, suggesting that no matter how lost you feel, you’ll find your way if you keep going.
Placement: The upper arm, chest, or wrist are ideal placements for this kind of detailed design.
Why I Love It: The idea of being your own guide resonates deeply. A compass reminds me that no matter how hard things get, I can still steer my life in the right direction.
Staircase Tattoo
A staircase tattoo with the words “keep going” carved into each step symbolizes climbing higher, one step at a time. It’s a reminder that even the smallest steps forward are worth celebrating.
Meaning: A staircase represents the journey upward, showing that progress might be slow, but it’s still progress.
Placement: This would look fantastic on the side of your leg, ribs, or the back of your arm.
Why I Love It: The steady, upward motion of a staircase resonates with the idea that life is all about gradual progress, no matter how small.
Sunrise Tattoo
A sunrise tattoo with the phrase “keep going” curving along the horizon symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the promise that a better day is always ahead.
Meaning: The sunrise is a symbol of renewal, and with “keep going” underneath, it conveys that no matter how dark the night may seem, a new day always follows.
Placement: A small sunrise on the ankle, wrist, or shoulder is a great spot for this design.
Why I Love It: Sunrises are inherently optimistic, and this tattoo feels like a daily reminder that every day offers a fresh start.
Butterfly Transformation Tattoo
A butterfly with “keep going” written in its wings represents transformation, growth, and change. It’s a perfect tattoo for anyone who has gone through a personal transformation.
Meaning: The butterfly represents the process of change and evolution. The “keep going” message in its wings reminds you that growth comes from perseverance.
Placement: This tattoo would look great on your shoulder, wrist, or lower back.
Why I Love It: The butterfly is a symbol of personal growth, and adding “keep going” makes it a perfect reminder that even in tough times, we continue to evolve.
Conclusion
Getting a “keep going” tattoo is more than just a way to decorate your body. It’s a way to mark your resilience, remind yourself of your strength, and carry motivation with you wherever you go.
Whether you choose a minimalist script, a nature-inspired design, or a powerful symbol, a “keep going” tattoo will serve as a daily reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, you can keep moving forward.
Take your time choosing the design that speaks to you the most, and wear it proudly as a permanent source of inspiration.
Which of these designs resonates with you the most? Let me know in the comments below!
