Your Words Matter
What you say and how you speak, to yourself and others, matters.
Your subconscious mind is impressionable and is always listening.
What you think and say to yourself is important. Are you being kind, loving and encouraging? Or are you being negative, close-minded and disheartening?
Choose words that you want to hear. Words that you know make you feel good and will inspire you to do and be your best. This goes for all areas of your life – training, health, hobbies, relationships, work, etc.
This takes practice. Pay attention to what you say to yourself – whether it’s your internal dialogue or words spoken aloud. Swap out key words for those that invite expansion.
For example:
“I have to [task or action].” → “I get to [task or action].”
“I can’t [task or action].” → “I can [task or action].”
“I am [affirmation].”
“I feel [feeling].”
You’re upgrading your mindset when you make these changes. Words and phrases like “have to” or “can’t” are harsh, inflexible and limiting. When you make the respective changes to “get to” or “can,” you are being open, fluid and optimistic.
Read these examples aloud to hear the difference:
“I have to go grocery shopping.” → “I get to go grocery shopping.”
“I have to go to the gym today.” → “I get to go to the gym today.”
“I can’t figure out this problem.” → “I can and will figure out this problem.”
“I can’t hit my squat PR.” → “I can hit my squat PR.”
I want to elaborate on the “have to” → “get to” shift. “Have to” sounds forceful and like you have no choice. “Get to” alludes to opportunity and gratitude. This shift removes rigidity from your day to make room for appreciation.
The last two examples go hand-and-hand. Using “I am” statements tells your brain you ARE said things and overtime, you will embody those aspects. Let’s look at affirmations.
Phrases like: “I am strong,” “I am smart” or “I am safe,” tells your subconscious you’re those things. The same goes for when you speak negatively. If you tell yourself “I am dumb,” “I am stupid” or “I am worthless,” your brain will believe you.
This happens with emotions as well.
If you think or say “I am mad,” “I am sad” or “I am anxious”, you’re telling your brain those emotions define you.
You’re making it a part of your identity. In reality, you are feeling them which means using the phrase “I feel” is much more appropriate. “I am” implies definitiveness while “I feel” suggests moments that will pass.
Why be picky and concerned over your word choices? It seems so small and meaningless. When implemented intentionally, this habit will promote a massive mood transformation.
You have the power to encourage and cheer yourself on. This fosters a lifestyle where you are your own best friend. You become full of confidence, light and action.
It also means you will speak to others this way. You will be uplifting and a source of hope for them. They will notice how good they feel and hopefully start to talk to themselves in the same manner.
Being selective about the words you choose can invite gratitude, mindfulness, presence, positivity and opportunity into your life.
Pay attention to your language this week. Are the majority of your words positive or negative? Are they restrictive or encouraging?
Make changes where you notice space for improvement.
Cheer yourself on in the gym (“I can and will hit my bench PR today.”). Give yourself a pep talk on a morning you’re feeling anxious (“I feel anxious today, but I know that I am safe and okay in this moment.”). Your demeanor and attitude will improve with practice.
Get into the habit of speaking with kindness, appreciation and enthusiasm.