T Change Your Life, Change Your Vocabulary

 ‘Hey Rinku, Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ’How’s life?’

‘Awesome bhaiyya,’ said Rinku.

 ‘So so bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Surviving.’

‘So tell me, how has the pandemic affected your lives?’ asked Rakesh.

‘Its interesting bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘I’m curious to see how it turns out.’

 ‘I’m devastated bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘It’s the worst thing ever.’

 ‘Hmm,’ said Rakesh. ‘You know, I read a book titled ‘Awaken the Giant Within’ by author, coach and speaker, Anthony Robbins. He says that the words we habitually use can transform our emotions, shape our beliefs and behaviors, and consequently, our life.’

 ‘You mean if we choose our words right, we can change how we feel, and thereby, change our reality?’ asked Rinku.

‘Yes,’ said Rakesh. ‘Let’s try it out. Give me some dull, negative words to complete the sentence – ‘My life is…’

‘Boring, sucks, not working, messed up …’ said Rahul.

‘Great,’ said Rakesh. ‘Now throw me some energetic, fun, exciting words to complete the same sentence – ‘My life is…’

‘…Awesome, never better, fantastic, amazing…,’ said Rinku.

‘Did you feel any different?’ asked Rakesh.

‘Massive,’ said Rinku. ‘The energetic words made me feel upbeat, alive.’

‘But bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘How can changing words change anything?’

‘Good question Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘The words we use set the context - and context changes everything. Let’s say we were to make a film. We’d start with an energetic, powerful script right? It is from words that visuals, emotions, actions flow.’

‘I understand bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘But I don’t feel awesome. I’d be lying if I said so.’

‘Do you want to feel awesome?’ asked Rakesh. ‘Change things?’

‘Yes bhaiyya,’ said Rahul.

‘Then try the simple and easy method of changing your vocabulary,’ said Rakesh. ‘Stop using dull, negative, harsh, critical, words. Robbins says changing even one key word can transform a major behavioral pattern. Every word we use is like a label we are sticking on an experience - a label that always brings up the feelings associated with that experience. By choosing words that break disempowering patterns you can change things.  By choosing the right words you can even reduce negative emotions and heighten good emotions. ’

‘Any examples bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.

‘Yes,’ said Rakesh. ‘For example, using ‘I’m spectacular’ instead of ‘I’m good’ elevates your energy. Using the word ‘and’ instead of ‘but’ opens all possibilities to you. By using ‘I could’ instead of ‘I should’ you reduce self-imposed stress. Using ‘I choose to’ instead of ‘I have to’ makes you feel privileged, not helpless. Using a powerful non-judgmental word like ‘interesting’ instead of ‘I hate’ or ‘I’m bored’ or ‘I’m devastated’ you change context drastically. Start with one or two words. Try it for ten days.’

‘Thanks a gazillion bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I’m making the most astounding chai ever made. Right now!’

Pro Tip: The words you habitually use affect your reality. Choose words like you choose friends. Change the words that hold you back; choose words that move you forward.

 

Exercise: Have a conversation with a friend and tell them to catch you when you use vocabulary that limits you. When you identify one or two, write them down, and change those words into empowering words. When you use the new words you should feel excited, charged up. Discuss and share. Change more words everyday.