Good luck! Buena suerte! Ich drücke dir die Daumen! Félicitacions! Omedetou! There is always a way to say “good luck” or “congrats” in every language. However, you don’t need to be a polyglot to be well versed in positive language.
No matter what you say, the easiest way to be positive is to speak from the heart. Once you've got that nailed down, then sending your best wishes, congratulations, and hope for good return is easy.
When choosing the best message to convey any of these thoughts, first consider who your audience is and then their back story. For some, like your friends or your partner, the messages will be straightforward, fun, and easy to craft.
For others, you may find that there's a level of professionalism, tone, or seriousness that requires a more somber tone—and some due respect. Below, you'll find lots of ideas for lots of events, accomplishments, and endeavors.
Best Wishes Message Ideas
Are you wishing someone well in their next job or school? Are they getting married? Or, have they been ill? These messages cover the sincere wishes you may have for anyone from a coworker to a friend or loved one.
1. Way to grab the bull by the horns!
This message works for that person in your life who has the "failure is not an option" mantra whether. It works in situations like a new job, starting an ultramarathon training program, or even quitting their job to explore the world.
2. You made every day in this place so much brighter. Thank you for all of your wit and wisdom. You will be greatly missed.
It's tough to replace your teacher or mentor in any situation but wishing them the best is what they would do for you. So, take this opportunity to show them that you learned something from their gift.
3. Your next boss doesn’t know how lucky they are. I hope they appreciate you as much as we have.
A great send-off includes telling someone that they made a positive impact, that their contributions were appreciated, and that they will be missed.
4. Wishing you all the best!
This message works for those who didn't know the person very well but should sign the card. Saying something short and kind is better than saying nothing at all.
5. We are all going to miss you, and we wish you well on your next endeavor.
Sincere and straightforward messages always go over well, and they're perfect whether they are moving out of state or to the job next door.
6. I am so glad you are getting out of this place!
If you know someone who is about to go home after convalescing in a nursing home for quite a while, then this message will add some humor to their very obvious cabin fever frustration.
7. I hope you have a speedy recovery! We’re all pulling for you.
Knowing what to say when someone is sick is essential. Start with some genuine positivity, and then continue with something heartfelt. If you stick with that formula, then anything you say will be perfect.
8. I hope you’re back to gardening faster than your last speeding ticket!
As an inside joke, this well-wishing is perfect for the closeted lead foot in your life. Plus, everyone needs a good laugh when they're not feeling well.
9. The gang and I wanted to offer our best wishes for your health and happiness. We can’t wait to see you back at the dog park again.
Try to include as many people as you can into your get well wishes and sentiments so that the person feels special and loved. Have each one of them sign the card, too.
10. Here’s hoping that your day is everything you’ve ever wanted.
If you know someone who is about to have a big day, this message lets them know you're rooting for them. It works for days as simple as a birthday, to something as expansive and detailed as a wedding and the first day of college.
11. Praying for your peace of mind.
If you know that someone is struggling, but they haven't expressed it to everyone, then being ambiguous in your words lets them know you're joining them in solidarity without a peep.
12. Just checking in with you…
Any time you send a quick note to let someone know you care is an easy way to show that you're a good friend and that you send your goodwill.
13. Congratulations on your continued military successes. We hope that your career is rewarding!
You could tailor this message to anyone joining or someone who is already in the military. It works for soldiers who have either received a recent commission to a military branch or will be receiving a promotion in rank.
Good Luck Message Ideas
People everywhere and in any situation need to hear “good luck” from time to time whether they are embarking on a new journey or a big life change.
Even those pursuing a military career, a new business venture, or having a serious surgery would appreciate a note that lets them know you value them.
14. The boss said he was just about to give you a big raise and two extra weeks of time off every year, but now that you’re leaving, it doesn’t matter. Good Luck!
This message works if you have a great relationship with your no-longer coworker. Plus, if you've also had some of those water cooler or after-work conversations about employee benefits, this might be a cheeky thing to say.
15. It was such a pleasure working on the last project with you. Good Luck, and please stay in touch.
Whether you work on multiple teams, a tree-planting group, or a political sub-committee, there's always going to be that one person with whom you mesh the most.
16. You don’t need luck—you never have. But Good Luck anyways!
This message is similar to saying, "break a leg," but without the theater references. It works in any situation where someone you know is about to embark on a journey or new work situation.
17. Sometimes a new challenge is what we need to wake up the soul. I hope you find everything you are searching for!
Making change to fulfill one's soul takes a lot of courage. So, these words can provide some soothing support for the person who has been struggling to find their way—and make that necessary, but life-altering move.
18. “May the force be with you.”
Yes, the phrase has become somewhat cliché over the years. However, if you know someone who is a huge Star Wars fan—it’ll never be outdated for them.
19. “If you build it, [he] will come.”
Movie quotes are great because they already come dressed up for the party. This one works for anyone who has started their own business. Or, for anyone undertaking a new project at their nonprofit. Or building a baseball park, thanks to Field of Dreams.
20. We are so proud of you!!
Maybe this is understated for adults, but there's something really strengthening for kids and teenagers when they hear how proud you are of them.
21. “Fortune favors the bold.”
A quote from Virgil, this message adds the most significant value for new service members who are embarking on a lifelong journey of a military career.
22. Good luck! Don’t stress! You can totally do it!
Everyone needs a cheer team in their corner.
23. I wish you luck!
This is another version of the simple and sincere wishes, which are always well received.
24. You’ve got the truth on your side.
Reassurance, coupled with some well-wishes, will work for those who are staring down the justice system.
25. You’ve worked hard for this—I believe in you.
If your partner is heading in for an interview, send them a quick text to let them know you're right there with them. Be just as positive no matter what the outcome is, too.
26. I’ll be there when you wake up. You got this!
Knowing the right thing to say to someone before surgery can be reassuring. It's also best to avoid any accidental innuendos with your well-wishes.
Congratulations Message Ideas
Supporting life changes and another’s personal growth journey is rewarding just to watch. It’s particularly so when that person is your partner or a kid that really struggled through school.
Plus, being able to find joy in other people’s successes makes you a good friend, neighbor, or coworker.
27. I hear that you and your partner were finally taking that leap… Good for you!
It's better to be supportive than a naysayer.
28. You rock!
Continued personal growth is deserving of applause.
29. Killin’ it!
This message works well in a text message, especially if your best buddy just landed another promotion.
30. Good Job!
If you don't know what else to say, then keep it simple.
31. My Hero!
If your partner just received a long-awaited promotion, this would make an excellent text before a much longer card or conversation.
32. Bravo!
This is a very understated way of congratulating someone who just had their music, writing, or art recognized for the first time.
33. I always knew you had it in you!
This message is filled with both pride and congratulations. This message works especially well for the kid who struggled in school but overcame the obstacles to succeed.
34. Not Worthy! Not Worthy!
This very informal message works for those who have a super casual report.
35. How does it feel to make it to the top?
If your good friend just made their first magazine or newspaper article, this message would be a fun way of celebrating their success.
36. Congratulations on your well-deserved success.
If you were up for a promotion but lost to someone else, this is a very adult and formal way to tell them congratulations.
37. We are thrilled to hear your fantastic news!
This quick message works for the extended family member referencing school, work, or even personal life successes.
38. You have earned every bit of success coming your way.
Although this message is on the lower end of formality, it's still perfectly acceptable for any work situation.
Kindness is Free
Being compassionate and insightful regarding someone else's journey is a sure-fire way of paying it forward. Plus, it's super easy to take a moment out of the day to send a quick note to someone who may need to hear those particular words of encouragement.