Power Words Rule..ok!Power Words are strong verbs. They work by focusing on active thought and behaviour. They can be used in both a negative or positive way. Here is a sample of a few. determined, intend, encouraged, focused, helped, motivated, planned, persuaded Decartes said “I think therefore I am” When we think we usually think in words. So the words we think carry a great significance. "If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought."George Orwell Consider these two thoughts: “I hope one day to run in a Marathon.” Which thought do you reckon is more likely to become a reality? As you can see the language we use for our thinking process is worth taking note of! Self Talk. Most of us experience the voice in our head chatting away in either an encouraging or discouraging way. For some (like me!) it never seems to stop! Trails of fragmented thoughts in word form, constantly stream through my mind. Trying to still the chatter is quite a task. Lately I’ve been focusing on these thoughts as they babble on. What kinds of words am I using to frame them? What am I telling myself and what am I believing? I’ve been quite surprised by the results! Interrupting your thought process is not all that easy. It takes practice, but it can throw up some surprising results. Notice the nature of your thinking and how this affects action and outcome. “Anytime words alone stop you doing what’s important to you-change the words” Moshe Feldenkreis Very often the words we use to think, are limiting in nature. “I don’t think I can do that,” or “I’m not sure this will work.” My task over the last few years has been to catch these limiting thoughts and change those words into power words. One word I’ve caught myself using a lot is “hope.” Hope is not a power word. It implies lack of control over a situation. Every time I think this word I change hope for a power word, like “intend” or “plan.” By doing this I’ve discovered that rather than “hoping," I’ve been able to carry out my plan or intention, and in doing so have gained more confidence and control. It's worth noticing how often negative or disabling words run in your thoughts. So as soon as they arise, change them to Power Words, which are positive and active. This will adjust your thinking and start to pave the way for action and success. Words to believe in! Think carefully when you decide to change the words you use in your thought process. Make sure the power words you choose are words you can believe in! If you change your thoughts from “ I feel nervous.” to “ I’m very confident” your subconscious mind will happily whisper “liar” and undermine your valiant efforts! What needs to be done is to frame your words so that every part of you can believe in them. So much better to rephrase “ I’m very confident” with “ I am becoming more confident.” This is then believable and empowering. Your subconscious can accept this and as you gain confidence you can alter your words accordingly. Using Power Words in Writing. There are many times in life when we need to apply for jobs, write letters, or fill out a CV. On these occasions we are much more focused and aware of the kind of written language we use. In the case of job applications or a CV we are aiming to create a good impression. Powerful words are convincing either to a prospective employer or in a business situation. By deliberately sprinkling power words into your application or CV and keeping them direct and simple will be both effective and persuasive. Remember though to follow this up at the interview stage! So use positive words which you really believe in! Power Words in the Media You only have to look at ads to see the power that words have on us. Careful words, coupled with great images, associations, emotions and jingles can have even the most hardened of us reaching for that certain sports trainer or beverage! Have a look at these two famous ads and consider the words they use. Just do it! Sh…you know who! They are so successful they don’t even need to supply the brand name! Great speeches Some of the greatest speeches in history have made use of the power of words to motivate and inspire us.What about this... “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and on the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” Winston Churchill Stirring stuff eh!
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