If you follow Three Easy Things on social media, you’ll have seen that I share quite a few quotes. I thought it would be helpful to explore some of the inspirational quotes that really mean something to me and show you how I take time to think about them. These are the ones that stick with me:

“No battle plan survives contact with the enemy”

This quote, whoever it was from, perfectly sums up my approach to planning. I’ve learned that flexibility is essential, as I’ve seen what happens when you focus on procedure and the original intention.

We’ve probably all encountered something like this and it’s frustrating when you’re putting work into something that’s probably not going to see the light of day. In our chaotic world, you’re unlikely to be able to control everything.

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education” - Mark Twain

This one applies to me, as I’m one of those people who seem to know a little bit about a lot. I didn’t go down an academic route though and picked up most of what I know from simple curiosity.

Learning is often something people do until they leave school, but I think they miss out. There’s so much more out there to discover.

Why would you want to learn something? To gain, or to grow?

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self” - Ernest Hemingway

If I could only relay one quote to people, I think it would be this one. This is something we should all aim for, and it says so much about modern life.

Constantly comparing ourselves to other people is a big enough problem, but when we stop respecting those around us we surely suffer. More importantly, I think the true message here is the need to ‘run our own race’ and grow as individuals.

“People do not wander around and then find themselves at the top of Mount Everest” - Zig Ziglar

In the world we live in, success usually has to be earned.

Whatever you set out to achieve, hard work, preparation and planning is essential if you want to get the big things done.

For me, this quote sums up the importance of not only planning ahead, but taking responsibility and not just waiting for things to happen.

I think we should all consider this.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth” - Mike Tyson

That’s right, of all the great minds out there I’ve chosen Mike Tyson.

I think he makes a good point though, as it’s so easy to get caught out and be overconfident.

For me, it’s all about adapting and always being ready to be flexible.

It also sums up the fact that poor planning and the wrong decisions will probably have consequences.

“If you’re going through hell, keep going” - Winston Churchill

I love this one and it’s always something I consider during tough times. There’s also a point where the frivolous and superficial seems to fade away when we have to focus on huge challenges.

I think there’s an important message here about persevering, staying focussed and staying positive.

This is one for those moments when we have to dig deep.

I hope this helps and that it really gets you thinking. There’s a lot more like this on my channels, and many more on the way. Please keep checking.