The Power of Words
I saw this today, and thought it was incredibly powerful.
๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ข๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ๐ข๐ง๐ “๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐.” ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ.
When I used to install software, I tried to never say something “should work,” instead I would say “it works this way…” The use of the word should suggests uncertainty about the results, which was never reassuring when you were changing someone’s business model. If I wasn’t confident in my software, why should they be.
I know whenever I hear the words “I should” come out of my mouth, I could add “but probably won’t” to it, because so seldom does “should” result in action. Many times, “should” is just another way of saying no.
Have you ever said any of these things:
“I should exercise.”
“I should do laundry.”
“I should go on a diet.”
“I should get more sleep.”
“I shouldn’t eat this second piece of pie.”
Now, did that ever motivate you into action or to make a change.
As an alternative, focus on the positive results of those actions.
“I really like how I feel after a good workout.”
“I need to have clean shirts for work tomorrow.”
“I could eliminate some daily meds if I lost X pounds.”
“I’ll feel so much better in the morning if I get an extra hour of sleep tonight.”
And, if you really want to motivate yourself, pick a when.
“I really like how I feel after a good workout, so tomorrow after work I’m going to walk on the treadmill”
“I need to have clean shirts for work tomorrow, so I’m going to start the laundry during the next commercial.”
Our words have power even if we are only talking to ourselves. They affect our expectations. using the right words will help you to achieve your goals.
Are there any other words or phrases that you try to avoid?