Everyone knows that words have a special kind of power. These inspiring quotes are destined to change the way you live, the way you think, and the way you totally derail conversations with your friends and family with complicated and irrelevant sayings.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. Most people listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey
As human beings, we often fail to listen as closely and intently as we should. But you could just bust out this bon mot during a sales meeting to make your coworkers stare at you blankly, hoping someone else will respond to you first. Or maybe it’s a trick, and nobody is supposed to respond? Either way, this lively conversation is definitely over!
“The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” – Steven Furtick
This quote speaks to the fact that while we recognize the challenges we ourselves face, we’re often less aware of the trials of others. And when you suddenly tell this quote to Ava and Jenny while shopping at Macy’s, they will politely pivot back to discussing puffer coats because honestly, what are you even talking about?
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
People won’t remember everything you do in your life, or even all of what you say. That includes this quote, because your parents will never forget the confusion they feel when you bust out the Angelou with an accusatory tone, as if they’ve done something wrong. Have they?
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” – William G.T. Shedd
While it’s tempting to embrace routine, life is for exploring all the possibilities it has to offer. One easy way to do that is to start randomly bringing up ships and harbors when your friend is discussing her breakup. This one really makes you think while it makes her totally lose her train of thought and start crying again.
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
Sometimes we must continue to do difficult work in order to get ourselves out of it. Kind of like when people ask you, “Why are you randomly quoting other people all the time? Why can’t you just use your own words? Can we have one normal conversation?!”
Whenever you’re at a loss for words, reach for one of these powerful quotes. It will confuse the hell out them, but you’ll look well read but also kind of insensitive. Score!
