Now that I have your attention, let’s talk language, words. The way you use them by habit, and then really look at how being more conscious of this, can change your world and how you see things.
Language and the words you choose. I say choose however, you probably don’t give much thought to this. When you begin to pay attention to your words, you won’t be able to help yourself. The more you focus on how you describe yourself, others and situations, the more you’ll realize you’re painting a picture of your world.
Like what you’re seeing? Wonderful. Not exactly what you were hoping for? Good news here…you’re the one who has the power to change this and the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Here’s some food for thought as you move through this week…
Is it a grind or is it hard work?
Ever worked with another team and dreaded it? Maybe you described it as a “real battle” and every time you left a meeting with them, guess what, it did feel like a real battle. Imagine for a moment, what could be different if you substituted “real battle” with “real adventure”? There’s still enough energy in it to suggest that there’s effort required, however, an adventure becomes more playful. Still a challenge perhaps, but more of a “we’re doing this together” feeling than a confrontational feel. Funny how changing just one word can completely shift what meaning you put on a difficult situation.
Are you sticking it out or making it work?
Life can get complicated sometimes and so can your relationships. When you’re “sticking it out” it can isolate you and make the situation feel like a chore. That’s definitely not a recipe for success. When you’re making it work? It immediately shifts to a “we’re in this together“ vibe.
Are they “difficult” or diligent?
One word can change the entire way you perceive someone. Do you use words like “she’s so difficult” or “he’s stubborn” – what does that do for you? It probably doesn’t foster warm and fuzzy feelings for that person. What if, instead of being “difficult” she was actually being diligent, or instead of him being “stubborn” he was passionate about getting it right? What shift could you make in your language to change your perspective? When you’re describing an acquaintance, friend or co-worker in your life notice how you describe that person. It matters.
One word can make a world of difference.
Probably most important...the language you use when it comes to YOU. What's your self-talk like? Is it kind and compassionate or are you always putting yourself down? When you start to pay attention to how you talk about yourself to others, and maybe more importantly, how you talk to yourself in your head, it is so powerful.
Changing negative self-talk is a big first step to moving ahead to a more positive outlook. Easier said than done you may think and, with practice you can change your negative self-talk to positive. How? Step one is to simply notice. Yep, just notice what you’re thinking in your head or how you describe yourself to others. When you first start consciously noticing you may not recognize things in the moment. However, gradually you will find that the noticing gets to be in the moment and that’s when a shift can occur.
Are you willing to give it a try?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge for the next week...
Pick one situation from the examples provided: work, a relationship, or your own self-talk.
Really pay attention to the words you are using to describe the person, team or yourself.
Notice.
Start thinking of how you would like to feel about the person, team or yourself and replace the current word you use to describe them or yourself with a different, more positive word.
See what changes …
Want to change your self-talk? Contact me You have all of the skills, strengths and capabilities you need. Let’s work together and reconnect you with them!
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
What the F**K? Your words matter…