Where There Is a Will, There’s a Way – Origin and Meaning

Some sayings and quotes just stand the test of time, don’t they? One popular saying that’s applied to so many circumstances is “where there is a will, there is a way” because it could honestly mean so many things. But where did the quote come from, and how do you properly use it? I’ll show you right here!

The Meaning Behind the Quote “Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way”

When someone says, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” they mean that if you have a strong determination to do something, then you can find a method and overcome whatever obstacle you’re facing. It’s meant to encourage others, or yourself, to trust in willpower to achieve something that might be hard or seem impossible.

When I wrote my very first book, it felt like an impossible feat. Plus, it was so long ago that there weren’t helpful Facebook groups or networks of other indie authors quite yet, so I was doing it all blindly. I had so many questions with few answers, and it didn’t take long to feel like finishing the book would never happen.

But my husband said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, Candace,” and he helped me find the answers I needed. Plus, when the information simply didn’t exist, I tried it anyway and created my own answer. Today, I’m nearing book 30, and I learned a lot of things the hard way, but the will was there, which helped me overcome the obstacle.

Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way: Origin

The origin story for the proverb “Where there is a will, there is a way” was birthed in the 17th century. It’s mostly attributed to the English writer George Herbert, who used a similar saying in his collection of proverbs, “Jacula Prudentum,” first published in 1640. The excerpt reads, “To him that will, ways are not wanting.”

By the 1820s, the phrase had been altered to where there’s a will, there’s a way. Note that there’s is spelled with an apostrophe, as it is a contraction of there is.

Other Ways to Say “Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way”

Any of these synonym phrases will work in place of this saying.

• Perseverance pays off.
• Never give up.
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
• Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
• If you’re determined, you can overcome any obstacle.
• With determination, anything is achievable.

Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way Examples in a Sentence

• Despite a hoard of setbacks, John’s unwavering belief in the saying “where there is a will, there is a way” kept him going, and he finally launched his product.
• Candace’s publishing journey wasn’t easy, but she always remembered that where there is a will, there is a way.
• I watched my son struggle with learning a new language, but he kept reminding himself that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I’m so proud of him.
• I know the team faced several challenges, but our mantra, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” helped us persevere.
• When my friend, Janice, doubted her ability to complete the book project on time, I reminded her that where there is a will, there is a way.
• My recovering cousin has a long road to recovery ahead of her, but she knows, with unflinching determination, that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

There’s Always a Way

Whether you trudge along and do it yourself or ask others for help, there’s always a way to overcome obstacles in your life. It’s never too late, and there’s always something you can do. So, whenever you find yourself faced with an impossible feat, just tell yourself that where there is a will, there is most definitely a way.