20 Phone Wallpapers to Keep You Motivated

Helen Foster
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Starting a new health or fitness plan can is easy, sticking to it, not so simple, but small daily reminders can help you stay focused. Here are 20 image ideas for your phone background that’ll give you that extra boost every time you unlock your screen…

Why Do Phone Wallpapers Work as Motivation?

Simple – the average person checks their phone 144 times a day. And if your phone lock screen displays something that helps boost your motivation, that message goes into your subconscious over 100 times daily.

Sometimes the message can be obvious – you can state your actual goal like ‘Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day’ – or, ‘26.2km by August’, but maybe you don’t want that to be displayed every time the screen wakes up to anyone who happens to see your phone. So, you can also use more metaphorical images for your phone wallpaper that mean something to you but just look pretty to other people.

Here are 20 ideas you might want to try. If you like any of them, you can download them to your phone using the form below.

1. A Sunrise Over the Ocean

Sunrises symbolize new beginnings. Each day is a fresh opportunity to make healthier choices. An ocean view adds calmness, reminding you to stay steady and consistent like the waves.

Consistency is the key to creating any new habit or breaking an old one. Even the slightest change done consistently will show effects.

2. A Trail Winding Through the Forest

A forest trail represents progress and discovery. You may not see the end yet, but every step gets you closer. Perfect for reminding yourself that every workout or healthy meal is part of a larger journey.

3. Your Favorite Inspirational Quote in Bold Fonts

Choose a quote that resonates with your health goals. Something like “What Would Future You Do?” can push you through those tough moments.

If you’re not familiar with the Future You concept, it’s the idea that you act like the person you want to be now – so Future You would naturally pick the salad, not the chips, or would say yes to that weekend hike. Find out more about that in our guide to ways to change a habit – it’ll also give you some other motivational boosts.

4. The Progress Squiggle

This was the drawing my physiotherapist once showed me when I was frustrated after a setback recovering from an injury.

He said everyone thinks progress is a linear straight line, but instead, it’s more like this – you go up, you go backwards, you have high days, you have low days, but, so long as, over time, you always keep heading up towards your goal everything is going to work out.


5. A Strong Tree with Deep Roots

A tree symbolizes strength and resilience. The roots remind you that your healthy habits are building a solid foundation for your future.

You could also pick an image of acorns – as everyone knows ‘from tiny acorns big things grow’. Each small step is an acorn to a healthier you.

6. A Close-Up of Fresh, Vibrant Fruits

A colorful mix of berries or citrus fruits is a delicious reminder that healthy eating can be vibrant and enjoyable—not restrictive!

If you’re looking at that and laughing, try this exercise: Write down as many healthy foods or snacks as you actually enjoy. Even if you can only find one, it’s proof that you do like healthy food—and, with a bit of tweaking as to how you serve fruits, veggies, and other healthy goodies, you might find a few more as well.

7. Diamonds or Rainbows

Remember, diamonds are formed under pressure, and rainbows only come when the sun shines after the storm.

This can help you remember that beautiful things can come out of more challenging times.

8. A Pair of Running Shoes by the Door

Simple, yet effective. It’s a visual cue to get moving, even when you don’t feel like it. Those shoes are ready when you are!

9. Your Why

Knowing why you are trying to achieve a goal is one of the four steps towards success—it gives you something to reflect on if you’re starting to waver.

For many people, the reason might be their children. You want to be healthier by running around with them or seeing them grow up. For others, it might be an upcoming trip that you want to be fit and healthy for so you can keep up with the sightseeing. So, add an image of that place.

Think of a visual representation of your why and add that to your screen.

10. A Progress Bar Filling Up

Progress bars signal achievement and momentum. Seeing one on your phone can remind you that each step counts toward your goal.

11. Beautiful Mountains or Grassy Hills

Mountains represent challenges and triumphs. You’re climbing toward your health goals; this image reminds you to keep pushing upward.

12. An Aesthetic Balanced Meal

Think of an artfully arranged salad or a hearty grain bowl. It shows that eating well can be both nourishing and aesthetically pleasing.

Make sure it includes some of the healthy foods you really enjoy.


13. An Open Road Under a Clear Sky

An open road signifies limitless potential and new adventures. It’s a metaphor for your fitness journey—endless possibilities ahead.

14. A Dog Catching a Frisbee

Few things are as joyful as a dog enjoying life to the fullest. It’s a playful reminder to find joy in movement and celebrate small victories.

15. A Simple Tick Mark

Seeing a simple “Done” on your phone reminds you to celebrate completing even the smallest task, like drinking enough water or prepping meals.

And remember, done is always better than perfect. So you were supposed to be at the gym for an hour but you could only manage 45 minutes – you did something, and that’s what counts.

16. A Vibrant Green Leaf with Dew Drops

Leaves symbolize growth, while dewdrops signify freshness and renewal. It’s perfect for reminding yourself that every day is a chance to grow.

17. An Hourglass with Sand Slowly Falling

An hourglass reminds you to trust the process. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent effort over time pays off.

18. Your Reward

Setting yourself rewards for the different steps in your journey can help keep you motivated – and, if you have an image of that reward on your phone, it’ll keep you focused toward it.

While cheat day might be a thing, having a food reward on your phone might not be the best choice as looking at that 144 times a day is likely to trigger cravings not crush them – if you’re looking for ideas of some non-food related rewards, we’ve got a list of over 40 that you might want to consider.

19. A Group of People Cheering You On

Even if you’re working toward your goals solo, seeing others celebrate reminds you that community and support are there when you need them.

20. A Starry Night Sky

Stars remind you of the vast possibilities in the universe—and within yourself. Stay inspired to reach for your goals, no matter how far they seem.

I hope one of those spoke to you. If so, then remember, you can sign up here to access all the designs to download – and you’ll be added to our mailing list bringing you regular healthy tips and updates.


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