Did you know that you can increase your ability to be successful by consciously choosing the right words? It’s true! Let=s say you’re motivated, excited even, to create change in your life. You’ve even gone so far as to put your well-formed goals down in writing. You determined your first steps to begin the process of changing your old habits. Armed with enormous enthusiasm you know exactly what is it you’re going to do. You choose your goal for today and then in one fell swoop inadvertently cripple your success before you even start.
How? All your best efforts instantly go downhill when you say, “I’ll try.”
What does, AI’ll try@ mean? It means you’ve given yourself an out. If some obstacle should surface, you now have a built in escape route that gets you off the hook. The word presupposes failure. It lacks intention and confidence. When you say, “I’ll try” you are sowing the seeds of doubt in your own mind. “I’ll try” says, AAlright, I’ll give it a go, but I can=t really see it working out.@
What’s the answer? A very simple change in how you word things. Instead of “I’ll try” tell yourself “I am.”
For example, instead of saying, “I’ll try” to meet my goal tomorrow, tell yourself, “I am now committed to feeling good by honoring my decision to action on my goal tomorrow.”
Take a moment and feel into your words. If it doesn’t feel right, then perhaps you’ve selected a goal that is something other than your natural first step. Back up and find the action step you are ready to undertake. It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time. You’re better off starting with a small step and achieving success, than starting with something you already know you’re not ready for.
The wise Lao-Tzu once stated, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” And Confucius pronounced, “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” Use your words wisely to make sure you are able to complete your first step.
Using empowering words allows you to harness your energy. Solid statements reinforce that you believe in what you are saying and you will absolutely find a way to make your action step happen. You’ve made a commitment to yourself and you choose to honor your word. You will find a way to take action even if things get in the way.
Once you find a plan of action that seems doable, forget trying to do it. Instead, declare whole-heartedly, “I am now taking action!”
About the Author: Want to learn more about how to live consciously, love deeply, and laugh often? Come along with Dr. Annette Colby and learn the secrets to creating the life you’ve always wanted to live! Subscribe to her blog Divine Self! today.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Annette,
Sometimes we don’t pay attention to what actual words we are using until someone points it out to us. When we say “try”, we really mean “will” do what is necessary to meet our goals. I am taking action, one step at a time. It is amazing what we can do once we make up our minds to do it!
So, come on readers, give your feedback.
Cheers, K.
Thank K.
“Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.”
~ Yoda of Star Wars
I love that saying! And in honor of the spirit of personal responsibility, I am taking action today and moving one step closer to finishing my new book on Depression. No “trying” to write here. And no procrastination. Instead, time to get busy living and get busy writing my next paragraph.
Love that little Yoda fellow!
Create a great day,
Annette
I love the life- changing quotes on the side of your page and I use them often on my FB.
Looking forward to reading your new book.
You Go Girl!
The life-changing quotes on the side of this blog are near and dear to my heart. There are more added regularly, so check back often.
So readers – what are some of your favorite quotes? Submit your all time favorite quotes and I’ll add them into the rotation!