Is the title a little extravagant?
Is it really possible to change your entire life with just a few simple changes to your everyday vocabulary?
During my studies of personal development, I have constantly challenged myself to adapt the use of vocabulary to a language pattern that empowers me to achieve my life goals and desires.
In this article, I’m going to share some of the language transitions that I work on to achieve this.
The language patterns we use determines our mindset which in turn determines the way we feel, the actions we take and the results that show for us in the physical world.
All too often, we’re very sloppy with our use of language. In this article, I want to show you some “loser language” and “winner language” and why these differences are more than just mere semantics.
Before this comes across as a “holier than thou” preaching session, I do want to say that I sometimes use “loser language” myself.
I am however also quick to call myself on it, so I don’t reinforce the negative language patterns as firmly entrenched beliefs that take a stronghold and really limit my potential.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the transformational vocabulary.
#1 – I will try ==> I will do
The word ‘try’ acknowledges there’s potential for failure.
Using this word instils a sense and feeling of doubt of uncertainty in your mind.
This invariably means that there’s a strong chance you’ll procrastinate altogether since you’re not certain of the outcome, or at best, take limited ineffective action which will keep your progress as slow and steady.
#2 – I know ==> I do habitually
How many times have you responded to something that someone’s told you with the words “I know.”
- To lose weight, you need to eat foods that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle! I know!
- You need to start investing money to secure your financial future! I know!
- You need to invest in a coach/mentor to shortcut your success! I know!
The wisdom of a Zen master once said,
To know and not to do is not yet to know.
This means that if you’re not consistently applying the principle habitually, then you do not know it. You have merely heard it before, read it before or watched it before.
Knowledge IS NOT power. Applied knowledge IS power.
You need to practise changing the use of the words “I know” to indicate only the consistent practising of the principles.
#3 – I believe I will/can ==> I know I will/can
Belief is a word that is banded around in the personal development world because people say that you must first believe that something will happen before it does. Whilst there is some truth in that, there is another level which can be attained with training.
You see, beliefs are formed when situations in life have provided your brain with sufficient evidence as reference points to make them believable. The question is what if life hasn’t presented you with those references or that you’ve failed to spot those references to validate and reinforce the beliefs?
The word “know” conveys certainty. There is absolutely no doubt in your mind when you know something is going to happen. When you wake up tomorrow morning, do you believe or know that daylight will follow the darkness?
Exactly. This is something that I am working on with myself now. Changing my mindset from believing that something will happen to accepting it as an absolute fact with absolute certainty.
Having this kind of thinking means that you’re naturally going to move forward because you’re simply success in progress going about your daily activities.
#4 – I can’t ==> I can
The difference one letter can make…
Henry Ford so wisely once said,
Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right
What Henry meant was that you would find a way to validate your belief by either taking the “can do” or “can’t do” actions in alignment with the belief.
I can’t afford it.
Ever caught yourself saying that? The question is with that belief will you ever be able to?
Simply practise rephrasing the sentence habitually to one which puts you in a position to act.
If I paid for this, by what means would I raise the finance?
#5 – I don’t ==> I do
This is the ugly cousin of “I can’t”. Of course, there are reasonable uses for these words, however they are often used as an excuse or stated as a self-imposed limitation.
I don’t have the time for this.
More often than not when this is said, it’s simply because the person has chosen other activities instead of the one they’re making an excuse for by saying they don’t have the time for it.
The more accurate truth is that they don’t consider it to be a priority amongst the things they are currently dealing with. Invariably, with most people, the things they’re currently dealing with are much lower value activities than ones that will help them achieve their ideal life.
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Wayne,
of course the language is over the top for the title. But it is also true. Extravagance does not mean that it is not also REAL.
To achieve anything… even minor goals. Your head first has to be in the right place. SO many people constantly convince themselves that they “can’t” and they “couldn’t”.
Because of this they “won’t”
It all starts with the inside.
Even in drug tests against “incurable diseases” a positive mindset can be of some assistance.
Drug companies give a control (placebo) and a test(thier experimental drug)
Almost always the control (placebo) group receives -some- benefit. That is because of the power of the mind. they think they are getting a great medicine and the body could respond and make changes for the positive.
The mind is an incredibly powerful tool.
If you convince yourself you won’t succeed ..you will not, not matter what advantages you have
If you convince yourself you WILL succeed, you may well make it to spite whateever obstacles fate may throw in your path.
Steve invites you to read I Need $1000! THE 30-Day Plan for Making Fast Internet Income
Absolutely Steve – you’ve hit the nail on the head.
There’s plenty of research now to confirm the placebo effect and it’s positive effect in curing disease.
Wayne Lambert invites you to read Increase Your Conversion Rate in Five Steps
Hi Wayne,
I wholeheartedly agree. Our words are so powerful in determining where we are right now. What we believe and say to ourselves and to others is our reality.
I like to read personal development blogs. I learn a lot from them and ever since I started implementing the tips and suggestions, I’ve noticed a positive difference in my life.
Thanks for sharing your insight. Have a nice day!
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Hi Therese,
Welcome to my blog. You’re dead right – the language we choose is so important. We must choose our words carefully.
Wayne Lambert invites you to read Transformational Vocabulary to Change Your Life
I’m taking down notes while reading this one. This is brilliant Wayne! Couldn’t agree more to you. Our words can definitely affect our lives. I also use affirmations everyday and they really help me a lot. It is just positive over negative. If you let your negative thoughts and words rule over you then better sleep. Awesome post!
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Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the compliment.
I am actually going to be expanding this post into a huge article as I simply keep thinking of more language that we need to shift to win the mindset game.
Wayne Lambert invites you to read The Illusion of “Direct” Traffic
Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post.
Hi
This vocabulary is very useful for us. we must take the benefit from this.
thanks,
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Interesting wheel. I definitely think they’re all connected, but simply changing ones words doesn’t change an outcome. You don’t magically flow around the circle. I think the wheel is correct though in placing beliefs to the left of words – cause I do think when you change your beliefs (I can, I will, etc), you’ll naturally change your words. Cause simply forcing the issue by switching up your vocab doesn’t really do anything.
Thanks for the post!
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Transformational language is essential so that you ask yourself the right questions.
If you change the way you think and what that little voice in your head is saying, having positive self talk keeps you going and focuses your mind on success and not failure.
This positive commentary re-enforces your conscious positive thoughts, additionally your unconscious mind focuses on positive solutions.
It’s a known fact that if you think something is going to work its more likely to happen and visa versa.
There’s a blog on my site with a few other tips about positivity if you want me to go on.
Otherwise great blog and keep it comming
Jeff
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