The words we choose have incredible power.
It does not matter whether we say them out loud or to ourselves. Our words attach powerful meanings and begin to pour the foundation of a belief system. Each time they are repeated or reinforced it is like another layer added to a fortified wall. In time, our words build an impressive structure of belief that becomes difficult to tear down.
My question to you: Is the structure you are building helpful or hurtful?
Many will fail to choose an answer and claim that what they say is merely an observation. To that, I declare, “Baloney!”
Our words can heal and harm. Our words can inspire and depress. Our words can unite or divide.
As a teacher, coach and parent I have seen the power of words impact lives in so many different situations that there is no doubt to me of their immense power. I’ve seen a coach talk an athlete into standing two inches taller and performing at a level beyond anything they had previously exhibited. I have seen teachers direct a student toward an opportunity that previously seemed unobtainable. I have seen parents shape their children with their loving and nurturing words to create a work of beauty within an environment of chaos.
And, I’ve seen the opposite.
I’ve seen people beaten down by words of judgment, limited and enslaved by negativity, and sent down a path of depression and sadness by the words people use. I’ve seen families divided, teams derailed, and the culture of organizations fissured by a repetition of poorly chosen and repeated words.
Yes, words.
Too often, incredibly volatile words are carelessly tossed around and detonated without any care of the devastation on the intended target let alone the collateral damage they ensue.
Our words for ourselves and each other need to be chosen with the same care and intentionality as a poet, lyricist, novelist, and orator.
When they are not, they need to be corrected. Self-corrected or other, but they cannot stand.
The organizations, families, colleagues and friends I admire most have one thing in common, how well they speak of others. I’ll bet the same is true for you. Think about those you admire. Think about how they speak of others. Am I wrong?
One organization I have great admiration for stands out significantly in how they refer and talk of one another with awe, wonder, and admiration. This is truly an organization to be a proud member of primarily because how they refer to one another as “amazing, distinguished, rockstar, wonderful, and brilliant,” and they mean every word. Who would not want to be part of that?! They see the best in others and call it out. Each time they do, it grows. It grows!
I have heard of successful sports teams, corporations and historical leaders forbidding negative talk in their locker rooms, workspace, boardrooms and environment. They know it works, and they have the means to put a stop to it.
We can’t wait for someone to come along and forbid us of using negative talk when talking about ourselves or others. It’s not going to happen, and we wouldn’t want it if it did. What we need to do is make the choice, the disciplined choice, to end talking negatively. Quit talking poorly of others. Quit talking poorly of ourselves. Correcting our words when we do.
Why? Why must we watch our mouth and guard our mind to eliminate negative words?
Two reasons:
- Our words become contagious.
- Our words become our reality.
Do not allow your poorly chosen words to lessen yourself or anyone else.
Make a difference in the lives of others and yourself with the words you choose with great intention and repetition.
~Kelly
Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. Want to learn more? Send an email. • Sign-up for Kelly’s Newsletter. Listen to Kelly’s other podcast The Wired Educator Podcast with over 212 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Order Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader a book on personal and professional leadership, and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook. • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter. • Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram
