Ever find yourself slipping into a negative routine with the things you say? Let me give you an example or two; while talking with your supervisor about your annual sales targets he asks, “Why are you falling short of your sales goal?” This question puts you in a naturally defensive state of mind. Immediately your mind searches for answers, and because your mind naturally accepted the question defensively; your responses will be defensive and come off as excuses. Portraying you in a defensive posture and possibly making your lower than desired sales numbers look even worse than previously thought. The words we use are more powerful than we can imagine. There is power in words that we use. Most people greet each other with words that have no power or energy. Think of the last time you heard someone else (or even yourself) respond to a greeting of “How are you?” with “Oh, I’m OK, or so-so,” “Hanging in there,” “I’m surviving,” and my favorite, “Not to bad.” Sadly, the response we receive to these type of answers, is much the same, “Me too,” or “Hang in there,” “It can only get better.”
Our mind is a curious and ever evolving part of our body, and the most important part of our inner thoughts, because it has a dynamic effect on our external actions. While there have been countless thousands of research studies conducted on our brains, the human brain remains one of life’s biggest mysteries. Interestingly, nearly every study conducted on cognitive brain functions agree that each individual has the power to alter ones internal wiring, which allows us to then program our actions. Consequently, the words we CHOOSE have a direct and profound impact on our actions. Regardless if they are spoken or just thoughts, the power of words has a measurable effect on our performance. Renowned cognitive researcher Dr. Maxwell Maltz conducted an out of the ordinary study at UCLA. Dr. Maltz assembled the #1 ranked UCLA men’s basketball team during their fall training and equally divided the team, he did this study three times and mixed the teams each time, the results were the same. Dr. Maltz had half of the team in the gym shooting 100’s of free throws and the other half sitting in a darkened room visualizing themselves shooting free throws and making each shoot. After several days of practice, Maltz staged a contest between the two teams. The players who had visualized themselves making free throws did much better than those who had actually practiced making free throws. Such mental training sends neuromuscular signals that can lead to a stronger, more effective performance during the actual event. Control your input by not only visualizing your goals, but also imagining exactly how your body feels when you achieve your goal. The mind does not know the difference between physical and mental practice. Visualization is the process that allows you to see your desired results in your mind. Once you can see it in your mind, you’ll be closer to achieving it in your life.
"You are what you think, so control your input! We become what we think about.”- Earl Nightingale
Our words and thoughts tell the truth. Ask yourself, “Do my words reflect a commitment to being joyful, helping others, creating win-wins, keeping things in perspective, seizing the moment, continuously learning and embracing change” Whether the result becomes apparent sooner of later, we cannot speak words of failure and defeat and expect a life of success and victory. Start today by planting seeds of success by thinking and visualizing your next steps to overcome the obstacles of life or sales targets. I suggest these three instruments for orchestrating your thoughts and words;
- Talk yourself up!
- Speak with strength.
- Ask the right questions.
Did you know that you talk more to yourself than anyone else in the world? In the face of challenging situations (and we all have our fair share), the words you choose for that conversation with yourself will directly impact how long you will find yourself in those situations. Use your words to change your situation, not to describe it. The next time you have a conversation with your supervisor; anticipate what he will ask, you know your business better than anyone. And visualize the conversation in positive terms. Build positive mental connections, personal strength and commitment by using these strength builders;
- I can
- I will
- Commit
- Expect the best
- I will make time
- I am confident
- I do believe
- Positively
- I know
- All things are possible
Before your next big presentation, take the time to visualize the success you want to achieve. See the details in your mind, hear the words, and channel your energy to create success. See yourself making every free throw by asking the right questions;
- What’s the best way for me to be successful at this?
- How can I make the most of this situation?
- What options do I need to consider for a win-win?
The power of the answers you receive is directly proportionate to the power of the questions you ask. Consider how the questions you ask, both at work and at home, elicit certain responses. Ask yourself, “How can I ask questions to get the best from myself and others?”
Words are powerful, they can turbo-charge an event or take the wind from your sail. Choose wisely, and always think positively. The next time you’re asked, “How are you?” Respond with powerful, strength giving words such as; “Great!” or “Terrific!” It will be hard to do without a smile on your face and you’ll likely receive a smile from the questioner and leave them wondering to themselves, “I want to be more like him.” The power of your actions is preceded by the power of your thoughts and words. Choose to speak with strength and watch the power of your words bring out the best in yourself and others!
