Stop Calling Yourself Names
The names you call yourself have the power to completely deflate and strip you of motivation. They can also empower you, boost your spirit and enable you to thrive. You can actually lower the intensity of the negative emotions you feel and intensify your positive emotions just by changing the words you use! Awesome hey!?
Here’s a prime example of what I’m talking about. A few months back I was reading Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. Amazing book I recommend reading if you haven’t already. He suggests identifying three words that you use regularly to disempower yourself.
The three words I came up with were Frustrated, Overwhelmed and Impatient.
Identifying the disempowering words didn’t make me feel that great but I knew the next step would. Next step: Have fun. Brainstorm new words to get you out of pain and into pleasure. The new words I chose were Challenged, Busy and Waiting.
Consciously choosing the words you use to describe yourself will alter your life. I have first hand experience. I haven’t said the three words I originally used since I did that exercise. I can honestly say I have felt much less overwhelmed and frustrated. It works!
Why work yourself into a frenzy when you have the choice of feeling good!
Life is all about choices. How do you want to feel today, tomorrow and five years down the road? Establish a new pattern and come up with your own words. Commit to using them on a consistent basis. Take note of how you’re feeling and the changes you see taking place. Then you can look back and congratulate yourself! Ask your friends for help. Tell them your new words and ask them to hold you accountable if they hear you say one of your old words.
The words you use can transform your relationships as well.
What if you changed a few words in your vocabulary. What do you think the outcome would look like? Here are some examples:
You’re making me crazy. VS. I’m feeling tired of this conversation.
I’m frustrated with you. VS. I’d love your help with this.
Would you please make the effort? VS. Could you take a turn? I’d love that.
People everywhere are capable of redefining their experiences, improving their interactions with others and their quality of life. I get excited when I think about what’s possible! If you want to support, encourage and motivate yourself (not to mention others) be selective with your words.
Try it out on yourself! See how replacing a word you often use with an new one makes you feel. How does your body respond? What emotional sensation do you experience? Do your shoulders drop or do you get your hackles up? Do you furrow your brow or does your face relax?
What are the words you want to be known by?
What characteristic word or phrase do you want others to associate with you?
I’d love to hear your new words! Drop me a note on Facebook or leave a comment below.
Love,
Amy
