When Your Only Cite, You Come Across As Trite

Quoting others can add insight to your message. But if your entire message is filled with other's observations, we don't get to see you.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

When You Only Cite, You Come Across As Trite

You know, I love a good quote. Who doesn’t? We all have our favorites—those lines that hit just right. But here’s where it gets tricky: when someone only ever shares what someone else said . . . well, that’s a red flag for me.

It starts to feel like they’re saying, “Hey, I don’t really have anything original to offer—so here’s someone else’s brilliance instead.”

Now don’t get me wrong—there’s absolutely a time and place for quoting others. It can elevate a story, underscore a point, even add some much-needed spice. But if every point you make is borrowed, then whose voice are we really hearing?

At that point, it’s like hosting a game show called “Shilling for Quotes.” You’ve got the smarmy smile, the cue cards in hand—but nothing personal to say.

And in my experience, when someone is constantly citing, constantly outsourcing their insight—it usually means they’re feeling a little hollow inside. Like they’ve lost touch with their own creative source. So they pick up someone else’s pencil to draw the picture.

But here’s what the “quoters” miss: underneath the surface—beneath the polished lines and secondhand wisdom—there’s something far more valuable. A deep, untapped well of originality. Authenticity.

And I’d take that over encyclopedic knowledge any day. Because I can Google a quote. But I can’t Google your depth.

So if you ever feel like you’ve got nothing to say, maybe don’t say anything—yet. Take a pause. Go deeper. Past the usual replies, the old go-to lines. Beneath those is something uniquely you—something no one else can offer.

And when you find it, you might just say something that’s truly quote-worthy.

All the best,
 John