NLP Quotes

“We've always believed we could do, be, have, and become more, and that you can too.”

The authors sharing their personal conviction about human potential.

It is an inclusive and empowering statement that invites readers to join in the possibility of growth, fostering a sense of shared optimism and agency.

“We see it and we believe it, that is, until we try to change ourselves.”

From the same section, highlighting the paradox of accepting external change while struggling with internal change.

It resonates because it articulates a common human experience—the frustration of knowing change is possible yet finding it hard to apply to oneself, validating the reader's own struggles.

“At first, NLP seemed like a glittering starlet; then I thought of it as a very mysterious, profound magician; now it is like a loyal, trustworthy friend, that I have no idea how I ever lived without.”

Gerry Schmidt, NLP Comprehensive Trainer, shares her personal journey with NLP.

This line captures the evolving depth of understanding NLP, from superficial allure to profound utility, making it relatable for anyone learning a complex new discipline.

“You can change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and add new ones that will become just as systematic and regular as the old ones—and a lot more enjoyable.”

Conclusion of a section describing how NLP enables habit change.

It offers hope and a clear promise that personal transformation is not only possible but can lead to greater satisfaction.

“There are two things that motivate people to success: inspiration and desperation.”

Quoted from motivational consultant Anthony Robbins in the chapter's discussion of motivation.

It captures the two fundamental drivers of human action in a simple, memorable dichotomy that resonates with anyone who has been pushed by either hope or hardship.

“Pain, stress, and distress are optional. If you choose, you can get the most motivation with the least discomfort and with a great deal of pleasure.”

From the section on using both motivation directions effectively with NLP.

It challenges the common belief that suffering is necessary for success, offering an empowering alternative that blends effectiveness with well‑being.

“Achievers develop their sensitivity to people and environments so they can have the most flexibility of action, moving while they still have a choice, before pain or discomfort forces them to move.”

From the discussion on how motivated people manage stress and decision‑making.

It highlights the proactive, deliberate mindset of high achievers—acting early to maintain control—which inspires readers to cultivate sensitivity and choice rather than react under pressure.

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy but because they are hard.”

President Kennedy's speech proposing the Apollo moon mission, quoted in the chapter.

It embodies the spirit of embracing difficult challenges as a unifying purpose, motivating readers to seek missions that demand their best.

“Most of us have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs are not big enough for people.”

Nora Watson speaking to Studs Terkel about work discontent, quoted in the chapter.

This resonates with anyone feeling unfulfilled by their work, powerfully stating the need for a calling larger than a paycheck.

“I wake up so excited, I can't eat breakfast.”

Steven Spielberg describing his passion for filmmaking, quoted in the chapter.

It vividly illustrates the joy and energy of living one's mission, showing how work can become thrilling rather than draining.

“There’s no great fun, satisfaction or joy derived from doing something that's easy.”

Coach John Wooden's words are cited to illustrate why mission-oriented goals, which often involve challenge, are worth pursuing.

It reframes the pursuit of difficulty as a source of genuine fulfillment, challenging the common desire for effortless success.

“You create a life by what you give. I'm having fun spending my money to help people now, while I'm alive.”

Ewing Kauffman, founder of Marion Merrell Dow, describes his philanthropic mission.

This quote powerfully contrasts shallow status goals with deep, service-driven values, showing that generosity and purpose bring true joy.

“I wanted to move to a place where I could live in the wilderness and work with animals. And so, it’s just a matter of, if you want to do something, you do it.”

World-class musher Susan Butcher describes how she simply pursued her mission of living and working with animals in the wilderness.

This embodies the bold, inner-driven action championed in the chapter, demonstrating that mission-oriented goals naturally lead to decisive steps.

“It would be no exaggeration to say that people are the most valuable resource that we ever have.”

Opening of the chapter, discussing the importance of relationships.

This line succinctly captures the central thesis of the chapter, emphasizing that relationships are the foundation of success.

“Research has demonstrated that 83 percent of all sales are based upon the customer liking the salesperson.”

After introducing the importance of relationships, the author cites a research finding.

The striking statistic immediately convinces readers of the practical power of rapport and likability in business.

“If you don’t have rapport, you simply will not be effective with other people.”

After an experiment comparing successful and unsuccessful communication.

This blunt, absolute statement drives home the necessity of rapport as a prerequisite for all effective interaction.

“Matching isn’t a gimmick to control others; it is a specific way for you to adjust your own behavior in order to get “in sync” with that person.”

Explaining the technique of matching nonverbal behavior.

It clarifies that rapport techniques are about genuine connection, not manipulation, which reassures and guides ethical application.

“Persuasion is the ability to offer compelling value to others. The key to this definition is that the values are not yours, but theirs.”

This passage explains the core definition of persuasion in the chapter.

It reframes persuasion as service rather than manipulation, emphasizing empathy and alignment with the other person's priorities. This shift in perspective is both ethical and highly effective.

“The more you learn, the more you earn ... in terms of personal satisfaction, as well as financially.”

The author discusses the myth that great persuaders are born, and emphasizes the value of continuous learning.

This succinctly connects learning to both tangible and intangible rewards, motivating readers to invest in self-improvement. Its rhythmic phrasing makes it memorable and easy to recall.

“Remember: The higher the value you satisfy, the more persuasive you will be.”

This is a summary principle after explaining how to identify and appeal to a person's higher criteria.

It distills a complex concept into a simple, actionable rule that can guide persuasive communication. The direct command 'Remember' makes it feel like a key takeaway.

“Congruence means that all parts of you are in total alignment with what you're doing at the moment.”

The chapter introduces personal congruence as the foundation underlying all persuasion patterns.

This definition captures the essence of authenticity and focused presence, which are rare and compelling. It reminds readers that influence begins with internal alignment.

“Your feelings come from how you think about people, events, circumstances, or things, not the people, events, circumstances, and things themselves.”

The author explains the NLP principle that our internal maps shape our emotions, not external reality.

This quote empowers readers by placing the source of their emotional reactions within their own thinking, offering a path to change feelings by changing thoughts.

“It’s bad enough that you had to experience all those bad feelings for the first time; why experience them over and over again?”

The author argues for dissociating from unpleasant memories to avoid reliving negative emotions.

The rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of repeatedly suffering from past pain and motivates readers to use dissociation to let go.