Did you know that words have the ability to build people up or tear them down?
Did you know that words are energy?
Did you know that how you ask a question can determine the other person’s response?
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively, with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
Yehuda Berg
Today’s Tool is “Mindfulness”. We will be focusing on the words that we speak. Words influence your future thoughts and actions, WORDS ARE POWERFUL.
We all have the ability to think about the words that we use and we also have the ability to use words that uplift rather than to tear down. The tongue is a small thing, but can cause enormous pain. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. One small word can make a big difference. Mahatma Gandhi sums up where your words can lead you.
“Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
What Does Mindfulness Mean?
“Maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment”. (University of Berkeley)
The one thing that will never die is the words that you say. Words live on forever. Can you think of something that someone said to you that you have never forgotten?
Yeah, you remember right?
How did it make you feel? Someone said something to you 10 years ago and no matter how hard you try, you can’t forget it. Think about the words that you may say to yourself on a daily basis:
“I’m not good enough”.
“Bad things always happen to me”.
Or maybe uplifting words:
“I am blessed”.
“Life is good and I am happy”.
Picture for a moment that person that you admire, saying to you
“I BELIEVE IN YOU”.
What would that mean to you? How would it affect your confidence?
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21)
I would like to share a story which illustrates the theory of positive and negative ways of asking questions (Taken from Joyce Myers book: Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind)
A soldier had the job of handing out apricots at the end of the chow line. He decided to test the theory of positive and negative ways of asking questions: to the first 100 men he asked,
“You don’t want apricots do you?” And 90 percent said no. To the next 100 he asked,
“Would you like some apricots?” 50 percent took them. Then he tried a third idea. He said to the next 100,
“Would you like one or two dishes of apricots?” 40 percent took two dishes and 50 percent took one – only 10 percent totally declined.
The percentage of takers increased from 10% to 90% simply based on the question being asked in a positive manner rather than negative.
Time To Take Action
Starting from today, take note of the words that you say and the way that you ask questions. Challenge yourself to:
Think before you speak or respond. Ask yourself these questions while thinking:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
The next time you ask a question, pay attention to see if you have asked the question in a positive way.
Choose to speak words that are edifying and uplifting, say something nice to people.
Benefits Of This Tool
Focuses your attention on using words that uplift you.
Promotes emotional well-being.
Helps you to pick words that will encourage others.
Helps you to ask better questions which can lead to receiving better responses.
The words that you say will give you an indication of what is in your heart.
Some Recommended Reading
Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind Paperback – November 6, 2012 by Joyce Meyer
The Power of Words: Unlock Your Ability to Learn and Do Anything Paperback by Sean Clouden.