The Hidden Power of Words

Elevating your psyche and transforming your inner dialogue isn't about controlling your emotions—it's about how you choose to act, react, and respond.

When working on personal or professional goals, the words you use are critical to your motivation.

For example, if you’re preparing a presentation for an important meeting, saying "I have to work on it tonight" can feel like a chore. Modern culture has conditioned us to associate the word "work" with obligation and stress, which can lead to anxiety and procrastination.

Instead, refer to your tasks as "projects." This subtle shift can remove the pressure associated with "work" and make the activity feel more manageable. For instance, say "I'm going to tinker with the presentation tonight" instead. This approach turns the task into a more enjoyable and exploratory activity.

This approach also helps when other people ask what you are up to.  Telling someone that you are working on a new business or a challenging physical fitness goal introduces the perceptions of others into your goal mentality.  

This is an unnecessary stress that has zero benefit to you, especially early on.

Telling people about your ultimate goal can be empowering - if those people respond in an empowering way.  But that is giving too much power to other individuals in a bid to stimulate your ego.  

Avoid it until you are to the point where you are deliberately looking for feedback or advice.

The power of our words goes even deeper than that though.

Consider the impact of negative words on your psyche. Phrases like "I hate exercising" or "This commute is killing me" amplify negativity and make tasks harder.

Try reframing these statements. Instead of "I hate exercising," say "Exercise is challenging but rewarding." This reduces the intensity of your negative emotions and makes the task seem less daunting.

Here are some phrases to use that signal enjoyment and exploration:

• "Play around with"
• "Experiment with"
• "Explore"
• "Have fun with"
• "Try out"

Which of these feels better to say:

• "I'm going to work on the presentation tonight."
• "I'm going to tinker with the presentation tonight."

The difference should feel obvious - and it we now have evidence it works.

Dr. Martin Seligman’s "learned optimism" research shows that those who cultivate an optimistic internal voice are healthier, happier, and more successful. Seligman's research demonstrated that by adopting a more positive internal dialogue, individuals can significantly improve their resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall life satisfaction.

What negative words do you find yourself using all of the time?

What word or phrase can you use instead?

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