Many years ago I was a fan of the Earl Nightingale learning tapes.  I invested in several different programs in order to turn my car into a university on my long commute to work.  It kept my mind engaged in learning, rather than in the frustration of work traffic.  It was a great investment!

One of the programs I purchased was Anthony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within.  I loved what I heard and I enjoyed the enthusiasm with which he shared.

Recently, a friend and I were in conversation and she quickly got up, excused herself and said, “Wait a minute.  I’ll be right back.”  She came back carrying his book by the same name and handed it to me, suggesting that I might like to read it.

It has been years since I encountered that information, some of which I had retained, but much of which I had forgotten.  After reading just a couple of chapters, I decided to buy the book so I could mark it up and not have to give it back.

One of the things Robbins talks about is the kind of words we use in order to describe how we are feeling or what we are experiencing.  His belief is that we often live limited lives because of the limiting vocabulary we use to describe it.  Let me give you an example.

When someone asks you how you are, what is your typical answer?  Mine is usually “fine” or “good.”  Now, there isn’t anything wrong with those words, but they are rather benign and unexciting.  They don’t stir anything up in my mind or emotions.  They don’t energize me.  They just sort of lie there.

Tony Robbins’ theory is that if we use more exciting words, we will feel more energized and set ourselves up to be what we say we are.  So, I decided to try a little experiment.

First of all, I got online to find a list of all the words describing emotions so that I could choose from it the words that described how I wanted to be and feel.  I was shocked!  Are you aware that there are many more times as many words to describe our negative emotions than there are positive ones?  It’s true!  One list I found had ten columns, only TWO of which were positive emotions.

Anyway, I have begun to practice using many more words to describe how I feel and choosing ones that are more exciting.  I like what I am experiencing.  Now, when someone asks how I am, I am FABULOUS or ENTHUSIASTIC, or EXCITED!  And do you know what?  I am!  Those words make me feel more alive and enthused about my day and my life.

This is just one of the things I’m learning and using from that book.  I highly recommend it to you!  It is chocked full of life-changing information if we will but implement it in our lives.

Why not pay attention to the words you use on a regular basis and exchange them for something more powerful and life-inducing?  I think you will like the results!

 

I am a speaker and trainer and would love to speak at the next event for your group, church, business, or club.  For more information, go to www.align90.com.

Tags: Motivational