- The Life Shift Reflections
- Posts
- Chris Jordan on the 6 Words That Changed His Life
Chris Jordan on the 6 Words That Changed His Life
What does it mean to live a life that is never dull? Chris Jordan shares how one phrase shaped every choice.
Matt Gilhooly
October 14, 2025
It Was Never Dull
Chris Jordan on the mantra that guided his life
Chris Jordan first saw six simple words etched on his grandfather’s headstone when he was twelve: It was never dull. That phrase became a compass for his decisions – from dropping out of college to leaving comfort behind and building a creative business of his own.
Chris’s story reminds us that inspiration often arrives quietly - in a phrase, a moment, a memory - and can shape the way we live. His reflection on storytelling, courage, and choosing paths less expected is an invitation to ask: what will guide yours?
3 Things to Think About
The smallest words can carry the greatest weight - sometimes a single phrase can shape decades of choices.
Risk and safety look different for each of us. What feels secure to one person may feel stifling to another.
Encouragement doesn’t just lift others up. Often, it reflects back to us what we most need to hear.
2 Things to Ask Yourself
What phrase, memory, or story from your past might quietly be guiding your choices today?
Where in your life are you choosing “safe” when you really want “meaningful”?
1 Thing to Try This Week
Write down one personal mantra that you’d like to guide your decisions. Keep it visible - on a sticky note, your phone, or your desk - and notice how it influences your choices this week.
Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that we don’t need a perfect plan to live a meaningful life. Sometimes we just need a phrase that points us toward courage.
👉 Listen to the full episode here: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com
Or simply hit reply and tell me: What’s the phrase you want guiding your life?
Matt
Want to receive these reflections every week?
PS: During a long weekend trip in May, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.
