The Two Words that Changed my Life

Let’s get one thing perfectly clear: Words are power.

They create hope. They inspire. They move nations.

In our day-to-day lives, this simple fact often goes unnoticed. Too many words are used too often. But in truth, we only need two words to paint a vivid picture in someone’s mind.

Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it.

“I do.”

Two little words—and you either recall a romantic vow or vow never to do it again. But this essay isn’t about answering a question. It’s about embracing a command, a belief, a mantra—something you repeat to yourself, guiding the way you live each day.

Two words changed my life. There’s a good chance they’ll change yours too.

These words are short, clear, and powerful:

“Be useful.”

Ten years ago, I read a blog post by Tobias van Schneider that stuck with me like glue. Tobias wrote that whenever he felt lost, confused, or unsure, he reminded himself of those two simple words: Be useful.

At first, it sounded too easy. But simple things stick. And this simplicity completely shifted how I saw everything—my work, my friends, my family, my entire life.

It made me realize the truth:

Two words can change everything.

In fact, they’re the reason I’m writing to you right now. For 10 years, I had wanted to share my thoughts online but never did—until I embraced another two-word mantra:

“Just Start.”

Two words got me moving. Two words gave me purpose.

Now it’s your turn:

What two words will change your life?

Need ideas? Here’s a list.