Have you noticed the impact words have on your life? Have you ever felt inspired, encouraged, and empowered to take action and do something great? On the flipside, have you ever felt discouraged, anxious, angry, or hopeless? I think it would be fair to say we all experience all of these emotions, and many others. It’s these emotions that move us into action or inaction, and all emotions are triggered by words. Make no mistake about it, whether empowering or destructive, words always work.
I know this stuff, I practice this stuff, yet I’m still impacted by words. I think, as humans, all of us are, no matter how developed we are in this space and how much we think we know. Words still and will always have an impact on us. I had a recent experience that reminded me of this powerful message. I was out training the other morning. It was leg day and leg day hurts. I was doing some high step ups out of the sand down at the beach. It’s actually quite impressive, if I do say so myself.
As always, whilst training, people jog, walk, and ride past. I enjoy the social aspect of my morning exercise as I often get to say hello to some people as they pass. Every now and then someone will make a positive comment that is very encouraging. Something like, wow that’s really impressive, good on you, or you are so dedicated. Those comments, whilst they seem very simple, really help me. The leg workout is not an easy one, and any word of encouragement makes a difference and supports me to get through it.
The other morning, I did get a couple of positive and encouraging comments which were very helpful. At one point, a lady jogged past. She was not young. In fact, if I’m honest, I’d probably put her in the elderly category. In my estimation she was probably in her late 70s or early 80s, which is incredibly impressive. She ran past once, I smiled and said good morning to her. I got no recognition or response. I just kept on squatting, lunging, and stepping. About 30 minutes later, she jogged past again from the other direction. I was in the middle of doing my impressive steps out of the sand, she looked at me, no smile, and instructed, keep your back straight, and she kept running.
As I said earlier, I totally understand this space. I understand the power of words, and I also understand that other people‘s opinion shouldn’t affect me. However, her words stung a little bit. Even though, I’m sure, in her mind she was trying to help me, the tone of her voice and the dismissive manner in which she spoke to me was actually quite abrupt, and if I’m being truthful and a little vulnerable, it was a bit hurtful. I pondered on it for a while and thankfully got over it quite quickly.
What it did reinforce, was the power of words. They always work. They work to lift, heal, encourage, and empower. They also work to hurt, harm, discourage, and destroy. Many people who speak to themselves, or others, don’t really think about the impact of their words. A throw-away comment to yourself like, I’m such an idiot or to someone else such as, you always get it wrong. Will have a very destructive impact on yourself, and the person you’re speaking to. Words always work.
On the flipside, when you lift yourself and speak highly of yourself, you will empower yourself to great things. When you can support, encourage, and compliment other people you help them have the courage to initiate positive action. Again, I want to say this so that you hear it, words always work. I know you will remember a time, even many years ago, when words had a powerful impact on and in your life. In fact, those words may still be affecting your life today, in a great way or a devastating way. I have spoken about the teachers who said to me as a child, over 50 years ago, I wish you were more like your brother. Thisaffected my life and how I felt about myself for decades. I also remember, very clearly, the words my parents said to me as a child, that I could do anything I wanted in life.
All I want to ask of you this week is to monitor the words you say to yourself and to other people. They are working to build or to destroy. If you catch yourself being critical, insulting, abusive, or discouraging, please stop, reflect, and recalibrate. You know how words have been and are working in your life, so now is the time to make sure they are working to build, encourage, and empower yourself and others. Don’t miss my wonderful podcast this week with Lisa Johnson, called Getting you back. Her words are impactful, your words are impactful, so never forget that words always work.