Why Word Choice is Powerful

FIRST THINGS FIRST. 

I talk a lot about how our thoughts create our reality. Why what we think matters more than the events that take place.

Because you can’t control what happens externally (if only). And you definitely can’t control those around you, either (ditto). 

All you can control is yourself. What you see, what you think and what you do.

Think of a song, for example. The artist or band writes the lyrics with a specific intention in mind. But the way you hear it — and the way a fellow fan hears it — could be wildly different. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just a different interpretation.

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

BACK TO WORDS.

Now that we’re aligned on the power of our thoughts, I want to take things a step further. Because it’s not just your thoughts that matter.

Your words do too.

Not only because they directly impact your thoughts. But because oftentimes, your word choice is what stands between you and a mindset shift. 

So much so that it’s been an ongoing theme with all of my clients this month. Time and time again, we uncover that one pesky word is responsible for their frustration and mental turmoil. 

Here’s an example.

“I want to make a difference.”

This is a phrase I often hear as a coach. (Which is one of the many reasons I love my clients. And my job!). It’s usually associated with frustration that they’re not doing it yet. Either for lack of self-confidence or opportunity.

I’ll tell you what I tell them: The real culprit responsible for this frustration is a lack of clarity on WHAT “a difference” means concretely.

Which is why things start to shift, without fail, as soon as I ask my clients what “a difference” looks like or means to them.

Their shoulders drop.

Their face softens.

Their arms uncross.

Their breathing slows and deepens.

They even crack a smile.

Because change occurs in the details.

“A difference” is vague, armed with a myriad of potential meanings. Yet when you hone in on the specifics of what you want to make happen, it becomes much easier to construct a plan for moving forward. 

What I’ve shared here isn’t novel or fancy. It’s a simple, easy approach to getting yourself unstuck. But you want to know what’s not so simple? Recognizing when you need to put this mindset exercise into action.

So here’s a pro tip: If you find yourself using a specific word or phrase repeatedly, it’s usually a tell tale sign that you need to go deeper. You can start by asking yourself, “If I’m able to do / achieve / have [insert word], what will it look like?” See what comes up for you, and go from there.

How have your words impacted your mindset and life? Comment below or send me an email at sofia@sofiaadler.com