I saw this message on a board this week and the truth leapt out.
Our words can either limit us or help us to grow.
And we have the choice of which words we use and listen to.
“I messed up.”
OK, well, who hasn’t.
What if we changed the words to, “What can I learn from this experience?”
“This is really hard.”
Whatever you are doing is probably hard, because every time we do something for the first time it is difficult. We don’t have the muscle memory to know how to act.
What if we changed the words to, “I need more/other skills to help me get better at this.”
“I’m not good at this.”
Michael Jordan was told he wasn’t good at basketball, but he kept practicing.
What if we changed the words to, “I will keep practicing so I can get better at this.”
“I give up.”
OK, this one gets me because I see the potential in so many people and they will never realize that potential if they believe these three little words.
What if we changed the words to, “I can’t do it yet, but I will keep trying.”
“I’ll never be as smart or good as that person.”
Everyone has different talents and abilities.
What if we changed the words to, “How can I use my talents to help this situation?”
The words we say to others matter and the words we say to ourselves might matter even more.
People are watching us, especially those with little eyes and if they see us not giving up, not comparing ourselves to others, and persevering, well, they might be more inclined to do the same. And their potential will be realized with more positive self-talk.
Hang in there. You got this!
DrPaul