I can’t remember the last time I used the word “problem” because it is such a negative word. Our brains immediately get stuck whereas if we use the word “challenge,” our brain quickly searches for solutions. The words we choose matter, and we have the choice to set ourselves up for success or failure.
How often do you catch yourself saying, “I have to” do something, like grocery shopping? Seems harmless enough; yet, if we were to reframe it slightly to “I get to” go grocery shopping, we have turned it into a more positive experience. Let’s face it…some people aren’t fortunate enough to get groceries. There by the grace of God go any of us!
In our daily living, if we start replacing “have to” with “get to,” we are blessing ourselves with positive energy! I get to clean my house today is being grateful you have a home to clean rather than emphasizing the chore. Sure, you must still clean your house, but why not get something good out of it other than a clean house?
When we reframe those words, our brain will see the positive, and you will feel better for it. “Having to” do something puts us in a victim mindset, and we can immediately feel sorry for ourselves. “Ugh, I have to exercise.” Changing your word choices costs you nothing but can give you everything! Say it with me, “I get to exercise!”
Another great example is “Up until now.” My friend, Dan McBee, taught me this over 15 years ago, and I love it. “Up until now, I haven’t been eating great.” With this statement, your brain is moving forward toward making better food choices and not focusing on the past. Contrast this statement to, “I’ve haven’t been eating great,” and you get stuck in the pattern. You remain in the past, and you aren’t setting your brain up for a change. Simple yet profound.
Like anything, we get in word ruts. Try breaking some bad word choices and replacing them with more positive ones. The world has enough negativity, don’t you think? “Up until now, you had the challenge of choosing negative words, and now you get to use more positive ones!”
My Leveraging Your Communication Style books gives excellent advice on improving your communication skills along with learning your own unique, God-given communication style. Build bridges, not walls, and reduce conflict in your life. Get your copy today!
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