Words Carry Weight So Speak Wisely

A word is not just a word. Your words tell others what you think and how you feel. Words can be uplifting and energetic. Words can also be negative and heavy. The words you use provide others a glimpse of who you are and how you see the world. 

Words carry energy; they impact how you feel and how you make others feel. Words matter and influence the experience you create. 

For instance, when something goes wrong do you find yourself saying, “That’s interesting, how can I make this right?” OR “I can’t believe how stupid I am. I never get anything right.”

Which statement makes you feel lighter? Which statement weights you down? Use your words wisely even with yourself, it all matters.

What do you say when an employee comes to you to share a new idea to improve a process? Do you respond by saying "I am so pleased to hear you are thinking of new ways to improve the process and save time. Let's set up a meeting to discuss this in more detail. On the surface it sounds similar to something we have attempted before." OR "We have tried something similar and it didn't work. But thanks."

Take a moment and repeat these statements to yourself. What is your emotional response? How do the different statements affect your energy? 

Hmmm…what do the different statements reveal about a person that chooses these words? How would it influence their level of effectiveness in getting things done?

Words possess a certain attitude that can either reflect negatively or positively on you and your brand. Not only can words alter how others perceive you, it also determines what they are willing to do for you. 

Reminder: The words you use impact your brand and are a component of the perception you create. Your words reveal and affect your internal world. Align your words to support others, yourself and your personal brand. 

It would be great to hear how words have an impact on you and your experiences. Start the conversation by sharing. It is a great way for all of us to gain insight into ourselves. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Letting Go...

I was reminded the other day of how elephants are conditioned. When they are babies they get chained to a tree so they don’t escape. While chained to the tree a baby elephant makes every attempt to break free. After countless attempts the elephant realizes it is not strong enough to escape, it gives up and stops trying. 

At this point it becomes safe to unchain the elephant from the tree. Even as they grow and become these strong magnificent creatures, if they have a chain around their ankle they won’t attempt to escape. Their conditioning leads them to believe they can’t.

I began to think about how similar we are to the elephants. How we let old conditioning from our past influence and sometimes dictate our future.

Think about it ….we start out being conditioned by our family, teachers, friends, society and the media about what we can and can’t do; what we should and shouldn't say; what we should and shouldn’t wear; what we can and can’t achieve. 

We’re often conditioned to take from life what we can get instead of being empowered to go after what we really want.  

I know in my lifetime there are many things that I have had to re-evaluate based on what I was told growing up and what I currently believe to be true for me now. When I was young my parents believed that guys with long hair were essentially trouble. Than I dated a guy in high school that had long hair. He was from a good family, an A student and an athlete! They changed their belief.

I initially believed that when I went through my divorce years ago I failed. I failed based on how society and my religious upbringing defined divorce. I have come to know that I did not fail.

I believe failure is when you let a person or experience take you down and you decide not to get back up. I did get up and am more of who I am today because of my experience. It has been a gift that helped me see myself and my life differently. I changed my belief.

What chains are you wearing that are keeping you tied to old beliefs and conditioning?

What old conditioning from the past influences what you believe is possible for the future? 

Decide what you REALLY want and act with that intention in mind to make it happen. 

Commit to what you really want, not what you think you can get. STRETCH YOURSELF!
Identify the bigger picture for your life and stop holding yourself small. STRETCH YOURSELF!
Be consistent in your efforts and never give up! Continually STRETCH YOURSELF!

2012 is your year. You can do this!

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to achieve outstanding results!