Words convey underlying messages that create physical, emotional and spiritual responses in ourselves and others. Language can be empowering or debilitating, and have an immense impact on your career and your life. Below are a few simple suggestions that can dramatically change the course of a conversation and the messages that you send about yourself.
| Replace: | With: |
| Should | May want to consider |
| Need to | Would be in my/your best interest to |
| Have to | Choose to |
| Can’t | Not willing or choose not to |
| Always, never | Very often, seldom |
| Must | Is prudent to |
| But | And |
| Try to | Focus on |
| OK | Yes |
| No | Prefer not to |
| Maybe | I will consider that |
| Should have, would have | Eliminate these |
| I think | Make a clear statement of belief or fact |
The mind set and language of personal responsibility
- Take responsibility for your world, your choices and your own happiness.
- No one outside of yourself can make you become “whole.”
| Debilitating Language: | Empowering Language: |
| You made me feel | I felt — when |
| When you | When I |
| It’s not my fault | I am responsible for |
| It’s a problem | It’s a challenge |
| I’m never satisfied when | I can find the posititve in everything |
| Life’s a struggle | Life’s an adventure |
| I hope to | I will |
| If only | I know next time to |
| What will I do | I will approach it this way |
| It’s disappointing when | It’s an opportunity |
The opportunity is there for you to change “victim” language into empowering language. That includes showing that you’re in control by being authentic and taking responsibility.
What affect can your choice of words have on the growth of your business?
On your personal relationships?
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love the spin on being positive, makes such a HUGE difference both personally and professionally in one’s life!!