Our
language is more powerful than we often imagine. I was talking to a team member
this morning, asking, how he is doing and his answered was, “hanging in there.”
As this morning and every other morning when I am at work, I greet team members
each morning and always take interest in their responses; some gives the
standard answers and some replies with how they really feel but for the most
part, we greet each other with neutral words that have no power. Think of the
last time you heard someone else (or even yourself) respond to a greeting of
"How are you?" with "Oh, I am doing so-so," "Hanging
in there," "I'm surviving" or "Not too bad." It
probably wasn't much past yesterday or perhaps today.
Fundamentally
from a macro level, language drives the changes to any culture. As most changes
in this world; they are often driven by a charismatic rhetorical figure that
has the ability to conjure language that cause changes in people hearts and
minds. Hence, language is always the provocation of any changes. Therefore, our
usage of language is just as critical to our daily interaction as anything else
that we do. We can either use language that describes our current situation,
language to change our situation, or language that ignite changes to someone
else situation. Therefore, it is severely important for us to understand that
our language carries this much power.
Suggestion,
the next time anyone asks, "How are you?" whether it's one
of your team members or a cashier at the store, respond with strength. Give
them an energetic, enthusiastic, “I am Grateful!” “I am Awesome!" or
"I am Terrific!" At times, it will be hard to do without a smile on
your face but you are likely to get one back. You will likely feel a physical
response of increased energy. Hence, your words will send a message to your
mind that will be consistent with feeling Grateful! Awesome! or Great!
To
see the results, you have to do this often and with sincere enthusiasm (not
robotically). When you do, you will subconsciously begin to act on what you are
saying and begin to design your reality to be consistent with your thoughts and
words. Speaking with power also creates a sense of accountability and commitment
to get the best from yourself and others.
Hence,
I challenge every one of you to consciously seek language that ignites positive
behavior from oneself and others and to avoid using words that provoke negative
energy. Thus, think about it when you are talking to someone: are you creating
positive or negative situation?
