Distracted Quote by Kofi Annan
“Sometimes I walk into a situation and I know somebody is going to provoke me - not maybe, I know he will provoke me - I know he will provoke me! And there are times when I simply refuse to be provoked. And the other times you have to use that superior knowledge to carry on at work without distraction, and don't allow yourself to be distracted. I laugh a lot inside and outside, and at myself sometimes.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN Leadership Forum, 2007
The speaker discusses provocation, self‑control, and using insight to stay focused despite distractions.
In simple terms: Know when you’ll be provoked and choose how to respond.
Key Takeaway
Use self‑awareness to stay focused.
Themes
self‑control
provocation
focus
mindfulness
leadership
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- high‑pressure meetings
- conflict resolution
- personal development
- team management
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional intelligence
productivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train yourself to recognize provocation early?
- What strategies help maintain focus under pressure?
A Different Perspective
Self‑awareness may not prevent all distractions; external factors can overwhelm.
![“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own [will], is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things…” quote by Paul the Apostle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5bb/paul-the-apostle-10243_accounts_love-is-patient-love-is-kind-and-is-not_260727.jpg)
