20 Best Replies When Someone Says “Keep Going”

Everyone hits walls. Moments where continuing feels impossible, where giving up seems like the only rational option left. I've been there more times than I care to count—staring at a problem that won't solve itself, a goal that keeps moving further away, a situation that just grinds you down day after day. And then someone, sometimes unexpectedly, tells you to keep going.

Those two words carry weight. They're not just filler or empty platitudes when delivered genuinely. Someone's essentially saying they see your struggle and believe you can push through it. That matters, especially when you're doubting yourself. But here's the thing: knowing how to respond to that encouragement can be tricky. You want to acknowledge their support without sounding dismissive, and you want to be honest about where you stand without dumping negativity on someone trying to help.

So I've pulled together twenty replies that work across different contexts—whether you're grateful and motivated, cautiously optimistic, or genuinely unsure if you can continue. These responses handle the full range of situations where someone tells you to keep going.

I Can't Say It's Easy But I Am Willing To Keep Pushing

Honesty without surrender. This response acknowledges the difficulty you're facing while making clear you're not quitting. It's realistic—you're not pretending everything's fine, but you're also not giving up.

People appreciate this kind of candor because it's grounded. You're not sugarcoating your situation, which makes your commitment to continue feel more genuine and harder-won.

Even If I Want To Give Up, Just Because Of You I Will Keep Going

This one's powerful when someone close to you offers encouragement. You're telling them their words made a tangible difference, that their belief in you is enough to override your own doubts.

It's vulnerable in a way that strengthens relationships. You're admitting you were considering quitting, but their support tipped the scales. That's meaningful to hear.

That's All I Can Do Right Now

Simple and true. When you're exhausted but still moving forward, this response captures that state perfectly. You're not promising miracles or claiming renewed energy—you're just confirming you're still in motion.

It sets realistic expectations while affirming you haven't stopped. Sometimes that's the most honest thing you can say.

Sure, I Have My Eyes On The Prize

This response signals you're already committed. The person encouraging you isn't saving you from quitting—they're reinforcing something you've already decided. You're focused on the end goal, and their support is appreciated but not necessary to keep you going.

It's confident without being dismissive of their encouragement. You're essentially saying, "I'm good, but thanks for backing me up."

Your Words Inspire Me To Persevere, I Won't Give Up

Direct appreciation that credits their encouragement as a motivating factor. This response makes clear their words had an impact, which people generally want to know when they offer support.

It's straightforward and genuine. You're not being overly dramatic, just stating that what they said helped.

I Will Take Your Advice To Heart And Keep Going, Thank You

When someone offers encouragement along with specific advice, this response acknowledges both. You're promising to consider what they said seriously and continue forward.

The "thank you" at the end adds warmth without excessive sentiment. It's professional enough for work contexts but personal enough for friendships.

Sure Thing, It's An Exciting Adventure And I'm Not Stopping Now

Reframing struggle as adventure changes the energy. This response shows you're viewing challenges as part of a journey rather than obstacles that might defeat you.

It's optimistic and forward-looking. You're not dwelling on difficulty—you're treating it as expected terrain in something larger and more meaningful.

You Are Right, Quitting Isn't An Option

Agreement that reinforces both their encouragement and your commitment. Sometimes the best response is simple confirmation that they read the situation correctly.

This works especially well when you're already determined to continue. You're validating their assessment while restating your own resolve.

I'm Drawing Strength From Your Support

Explicitly telling someone their encouragement is fueling you gives them direct feedback about their impact. People want to know their words matter, and this response confirms they do.

It's not overly sentimental but still emotionally honest. You're naming the practical effect of their support.

What Would I Do Without You?

Phrased as a question but functioning as a statement. You're telling someone their role in your life is significant, that their encouragement makes a real difference.

It's warm without being heavy. The question format keeps it light while still conveying genuine appreciation.

Thank You For Your Support And Motivation

Clean, straightforward gratitude. This response works across all contexts—professional, personal, casual, formal. It acknowledges both emotional support and practical motivation.

Sometimes simplicity is what a moment needs. This delivers appreciation without complicating it.

I Appreciate Your Belief In Me

Focusing on their belief rather than their words shifts the emphasis to something deeper. You're acknowledging that they have faith in your capabilities, which often matters more than generic encouragement.

This response recognizes what's really happening when someone tells you to keep going—they're expressing confidence in you.

I Appreciate Your Encouraging Words, You Are A Big Help

Similar to previous responses but adding "you are a big help" makes the impact concrete. You're not just thanking them abstractly—you're telling them their words actually helped.

That specificity makes the appreciation land more meaningfully.

I Will Keep Going As Long As You Keep Supporting

This response creates a reciprocal dynamic. You're linking your continued effort to their continued support, which can deepen connection but also sets an expectation.

Use this when someone's ongoing encouragement genuinely matters to your ability to persist. It's honest about needing external support.

Your Words Inspire Me To Keep Going With A Positive Attitude

Beyond just continuing, you're committing to maintaining good spirits about it. This response acknowledges that mindset matters as much as action.

It tells them their encouragement affected not just your decision to persist but how you approach the challenge mentally.

Don't Worry, I Am Committed To The Process

Reassurance for someone concerned you might quit. You're explicitly stating your commitment extends beyond immediate results to the entire journey.

This works when someone's worried about your resolve. You're calming their concerns while affirming your dedication.

Regardless Of How Tough It Is, I Won't Be Swayed

Strong, definitive language. You're not just saying you'll continue—you're declaring that difficulty won't change your course.

It's particularly effective when you want to project determination and resolve. There's no hedging or qualification here.

At This Rate, I Cannot, It Is For The Best That I Change My Tactics

Honesty about needing to adjust approach. This response clarifies that keeping going doesn't mean stubbornly repeating what isn't working.

It shows intelligence and adaptability. You're committed to the goal but flexible about method, which is often the smarter path.

I Will Keep Pushing, No Obstacle Will Deter Me From Achieving My Goal

Absolute commitment expressed clearly. This response leaves no room for doubt about your intentions or resolve.

Use it when you're genuinely unshakeable about your goal. It's a declaration, not a hope.

I Am Sorry To Disappoint You But It Is For The Best To Throw In The Towel

The difficult response. Sometimes continuing actually isn't the right choice, and this reply acknowledges that reality.

It's honest even when honesty disappoints. You're recognizing their encouragement while making a different decision based on your assessment of the situation.

Encouragement hits different depending on where you are mentally when you receive it. Sometimes it's the exact push you needed. Other times it's a reminder that people believe in you even when you're struggling to believe in yourself. And occasionally, you have to acknowledge support while making decisions that go against it. These twenty responses give you language for all those situations. When someone tells you to keep going, you'll know exactly how to respond in a way that's both honest and appreciative.