The 3-Word Phrase Emotionally Intelligent People Use to Thrive at Work and in Life

We all want to feel like we’re making the most of our time — not just checking boxes, but actually living. Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or juggling both, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of doing more, owning more, and chasing more.

But emotionally intelligent people tend to approach life differently.

They lean into a simple, powerful mindset — one that helps them learn, grow, and stay grounded:

**Experiences over things.**

It’s just three words. But it’s a game-changer.

Why It Matters in Work and Life

This isn’t about minimalism or rejecting material success. It’s about choosing what truly adds value — to your day, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.

Choosing experiences over things helps you:

- **Learn more deeply** through real-world engagement

- **Remember more vividly** because moments stick longer than purchases

- **Feel more fulfilled** by investing in connection, growth, and joy

It’s the difference between a life that’s full and one that’s truly rich.

At Work: Build a Culture of Meaning

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a team, here’s how to apply this mindset professionally:

1. Prioritize Team Experiences

Instead of bonuses that get spent and forgotten, try team lunches, creative retreats, or shared volunteer days. These build loyalty and spark innovation.

2. Celebrate Milestones with Moments

When your business hits a goal, mark it with a shared experience — a local outing, a community event, or a heartfelt thank-you gathering.

3. Invest in Learning

Skip the fancy office upgrades and put that budget into workshops, mentorships, or travel that expands your perspective.

*People don’t remember the printer you bought. They remember the day you took them to lunch and asked about their dreams.*

At Home: Make Memories That Matter

In your personal life, this mindset is just as powerful:

1. Choose Time Over Stuff

Instead of buying another gadget, plan a weekend getaway, a picnic in the park, or a spontaneous road trip. These are the moments that stick.

2. Be Present

Put down the phone during dinner. Say yes to the walk. Let your kids help with dinner even if it takes longer. These small choices build big memories.

3. Celebrate Simply

Birthdays, holidays, and milestones don’t need extravagance — they need intention. A handwritten note, a shared laugh, a meaningful toast.

*The best gifts aren’t wrapped. They’re felt.*

Final Thought: What Will You Remember?

Years from now, you won’t recall the exact model of your phone or the brand of your desk chair.

But you *will* remember the late-night brainstorm that led to your best idea. The quiet morning coffee with someone you love. The community event where you felt truly connected.

So next time you’re faced with a decision — big or small — try whispering this phrase to yourself:

**Experiences over things.**

It might just change how you work, how you live, and how you lead.