It’s 6:07 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

I have to write this newsletter. It’s due to be published first thing tomorrow.

I have not written a single word.

I can’t believe I’ve procrastinated this long. I typically work on each newsletter at least four days in advance so that I may take the time to carefully craft my words and organize my thoughts. 

It’ll never turn out the way I want it to.

That’s not the case this week. 

I have to get this done. 

I’m running out of time.

The above summary of where I’m at today is quite grim. And, it likely isn’t the most engaging or interest-provoking introduction to a newsletter.

But this is intentional.

If you take another look, I’ve made a few keywords and phrases bold and italicized.

Take a look at these same sentences written below once more, this time with a few subtle word choices. 

It’s 6:07 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

I get to write this newsletter. It’s due to be published first thing tomorrow.

I have not written a single word yet.

I have procrastinated, but I will get this done today. I typically work on each newsletter at least four days in advance so that I may take the time to carefully craft my words and organize my thoughts. 

That’s not the case this week. 

I get to get this done. I will get this done.

Do you notice the difference?

Imagine me reading each section of words aloud.

Would there be a difference in my voice, tonality, volume, and energy between the two paragraphs?

You bet.

The words I intentionally chose carry strong meaning and energy - or a lack thereof. The result dramatically shapes your experience and interpretation. The former was boring. The latter evoked a sense of excitement and curiosity.

This same downstream effect reigns true in your life.

• Your words are the building blocks of your thoughts.
  

• When your thoughts are given significant time and emotion, they’re elevated to beliefs.
  

• Collectively, your thoughts and beliefs shape your actions - or lack thereof.
  

• Your actions influence your results, shape your identity, and determine your reality!

If you continue to underestimate the power of word choice on your mood, energy, well-being, and what you attract in life, you’ll continue to fall victim to poor word choices that reinforce what it is you are speaking into existence.

In today’s edition of the Unstuck Newsletter, I’ll reveal the depth and power of words. I’ll then share several common word choice missteps you’re likely making and help you bring awareness and an action plan to begin using the power of words for you, rather than against you.

Casting Spells

There’s an inherent energy, magic, if you will in your word choice.

It’s not a coincidence that the construction of words is referred to as “spell-ing.” 

They literally have the power and potential to cast a spell on your energy, actions, results, identity, and reality!

Words are the individual building blocks of your mental sentences, otherwise known as your thoughts. When a thought is given significant and repetitive time, energy, and emotion, it becomes elevated into a belief.

Your unconscious mind is home to your beliefs. And it prioritizes doing everything it can to create congruency between what you believe and what you experience; its goal is to make your thoughts real. For instance, if you believe you’re unworthy of love or undeserving of more money, you may notice you remain stuck hopping in and out of relationships and struggling to stay out of debt. 

For a refresher on the role and power of your unconscious mind, click here to review this past newsletter. 

Your thoughts and beliefs collectively influence your actions, which, in turn, influence your results. Collectively, this shapes your identity.

Therefore, your word choice directly shapes your identity. If some of the most spoken words used when speaking about or to yourself are filled with negativity and hate, do you think you’re going to have an easy time achieving your full potential?

Yeah, I didn’t think so. 

If you’re currently trying to upgrade your identity to be more, do more, and achieve more, you’d be foolish not to give more intentionality to your word choice.

In the remainder of this newsletter, I’ll share some of the simplest, most powerful word swaps you can make to fast-track your progress toward unlocking your full potential. 

Infuse Excitement and Gratitude

I want you to read the following three sentences aloud - seriously.

Observe the difference in how you verbalize each.

1. I have to vacuum after work today.

2. I want to vacuum after work today.

3. I get to vacuum after work today.

What did you notice?

Admittedly, this exercise and concept are best illustrated by listening to me read each sentence aloud, but here are the key points you should recognize.

• The word “have” implies a sense of obligation that lacks desire, fun, and excitement. It’s a chore. It’s bland and you’re not looking forward to it.
  

• The word “want” infuses more positivity and a glimmer of excitement. The word want implies you have a say - a level of control - in the matter.
  

• The word “get” implies you’re excited and desire to vacuum; it also infuses a sense of gratitude about the opportunity ahead.

When you think about the list of tasks you often procrastinate on, I wonder if you can begin to shift your word choice - and subsequently your energy and attitude - to one that describes the opportunity ahead as something you want or get to do.

• I want to meal prep tonight.

• I want to go to the gym today.

• I get to file my taxes today!

• I get to make these five cold calls.

• I get to have this uncomfortable conversation.

When your operational default is from a place of excitement, desire, and gratitude, and you feel you do have a level of control, you’re far more likely to execute the task with more efficiency and effectiveness compared to feeling like it’s a chore you’re being forced to do.

The Power of the Word “Yet” 

One powerful, three-letter word has the potential to drastically shift your mindset.

It has the power to help you make the switch from a state of victimhood, frustration, and hopelessness, to one of excitement, hope, and empowerment.

That word is “yet.”

Observe what you feel and experience as you read the following three sentences. 

• There’s a stack of 12 books on my desk. I have not read them.
  

• There’s a collection of 17 unanswered emails in my inbox. I have not replied to them.
  

• There’s an endless list of goals I wish to achieve. I have not achieved them.

What stands out is each is a blank underwhelming statement about what I have not done. 

Consider the difference in your experience as you read the sentences again with the addition of the word yet.

• There’s a stack of 12 books on my desk. I have not read them yet.
  

• There’s a collection of 17 unanswered emails in my inbox. I have not replied to them yet.
  

• There’s an endless list of goals I wish to achieve. I have not achieved them yet.

That addition of one word immediately implies a sense of hope and future action. 

There’s a satisfaction and deep knowing that although the goal has yet to be achieved, I’m working at it and will achieve each soon enough. I’m on the right path. 

Whether you’re frustrated with your current rate of progress on a goal or where you’re at in your romantic, professional, or financial life, adding the word yet can serve as a stark reminder that you’ll get there soon so long as you continue to take action.

Interested in learning how Hypno-Mindset and Performance Coaching can help you stop self-sabotage and unlock your full potential? 

Schedule a free 30-minute Mindset Coaching Discovery Call now.

BUT (Get Rid of This Word!)

This one grinds my gears.

In client check-in emails and calls, I always ask for a win.

And for most people I work with, the first few times they share a win with me goes something like this.

• “Well, I was able to get to the gym four times this week and also complete my presentation at work with time to spare BUT…”

• “I had a good week. I signed up three new clients and recorded my podcast, BUT…”
  

• “I went on a third date with a guy last night. I really enjoyed our conversation, BUT…”

When you include the word “but” you immediately downplay your accomplishments and take away from your hard work.

You’re diminishing yourself and your wins.

This is a terrible pattern that further ingrains a sense of lack in how you feel about yourself; your self-worth, your self-esteem, and how much you love yourself.

When speaking kindly and positively about yourself end the sentence with a period before inserting the word but.

Stop it.

Cut it off.

Bite your tongue.

Pause.

Sit in the temporary discomfort that was previously numbed by the use of the word “but.”

Once you grow more comfortable here, begin to replace the word “but” with the word “and.” This simple substitute will open the gateway to invite more positive thoughts to share about yourself.

For instance:

“I went on a third date with a guy last night. I really enjoyed our conversation. AND I had a nice time.”

Avoid Speaking in Absolutes

When you speak in absolutes, you’re making a generalized declaration of permanence.

Consider these common examples in which you’re likely letting absolutes sneak their way into your thoughts. 

• I always crumble under pressure.

• I never perform well when my boss sits in my meetings.

• I can’t find a loving relationship with someone who treats me well.

• Every person I’ve been on a date with has.

When you speak in absolutes, you’re implying that this result - your current experience - is set in stone and will never change.

Well, let me be the first to acknowledge that’s a defeating way to live a life that robs you of hope, joy, and excitement.

These absolutes cut off creativity because now you’re operating from a place of lack (scarcity mindset).

No bueno.

To begin unlearning this pattern of destructive word choice, it’s important to shift the narrative to the specific situation rather than making a generalized statement.

Let’s use the statement, “I always crumble under pressure” as an example and unpack how you could better approach a situation in which you used to speak in absolutes.

• This past weekend I felt the pressure of our project deadline. I crumbled. I procrastinated too long and didn’t do my best work.
  

• This situation doesn’t define me. Nor does it represent my typical approach to projects.
  

• The truth is that I slept little this week because our newborn was up frequently and I was up with him helping my wife.
  

• I’ll take the time to reflect on and learn from this situation. I don’t like how I currently feel but I know it will pass and I can learn from this experience. 

When you take the time to distance yourself and acknowledge why this situation occurred - specifically identifying the fact that it was unique and not a reflection of your character - you can better understand why it occurred and begin to use softer language.

The softer, less absolute language may look and feel like, “I didn’t perform well with the pressure of this recent time-sensitive project. I know I can and will do better next time. I will learn from this.”

Even if you notice that this type of performance is a pattern, you’re always in control of how you respond in the next similar situation.

It does not have to be your destiny; you’re always in control. Therefore, there’s no need to speak in absolutes. Continuing to do so will continue to bring (speak) the same undesirable outcome into existence. 

Your Next Step

I suggest you reread this article from the top.

This time as you read, make note as to which of these common word choice mistakes you’re most frequently making. 

Commit yourself to bringing awareness to one and begin to prepare a substitute word choice instead. 

You can’t change unless you change.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter.

Interested in learning more about how I help high-performers just like you unstuck themselves and unlock their full potential?

Apply to work with me and schedule a coaching discovery call here. 

You may catch up on previous newsletters here. 

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