Language makes the basis of thought for humans. When you speak, the words you choose reflect your thoughts. And the way you think.
When you use negative words, you’re shaping your worlds in the same context.
Zig Ziglar encourages us to use phrases such as strongends (instead of weekends), go lights (instead of stop lights), and opportunity clocks (instead of alarm clocks).
Yes, it’s silly but the simple things are easy to change. And in changing the little things, you train your brain to think positively. The weird thing with the brain is that whatever you put your focus on, you start finding more of it.
Ever notice that when you buy a new car – say it’s a red Tesla, all of a sudden, you start seeing red Teslas EVERYWHERE? That’s because your brain is trained to pay attention to red Teslas when you bought it. A year later, or even a few months later, you’ll stop “seeing” so many of them.
Brain Training
This brings another point, that your brain training is on-going. Whatever you fill your mind with on a consistent basis, is what you’ll see. It’s like a computer program – whatever you put in gets processed, and the outcome is a combination of what you put in.
Because it’s ongoing, pay attention to the content you consume from outside sources. When you speak, choose your words carefully as well. Whoever you’re talking to might not be listening, but your brain always hears the words you say.
Even if you’re just joking, or being sarcastic, your brain is using the words to shape your thoughts. Your mind. Your reality.
As the cliche goes, if you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut. Not only will it help keep you out of trouble, it’s just one less negative comment you’re shoving into your brain processor.
So. Choose your words… wisely.