Words have the power to energize or kill motivation.

Think about this for a moment...

If other people told you the things you say to yourself, how long would you listen to them?

When I ask my students this question, the answer is always -- "Not very long."

The point here is this...

1. We limit ourselves with "stop" words.
2. We put ourselves down with "mean" words.
3. We set ourselves up with "accusing" words.

STAYING STUCK

Stop words

These are words YOU use that leave you feeling anxious, unmotivated, unexcited, and turned off.

What the brain hears is more important than the words you use.

One example of a "Stop" word is..

"can't"

What you say:

"I can't"

• lose weight,
• start exercising,
• ask Mary out on a date,
• ask the boss for a raise,
• learn a new language,
• get my finances in order

What your brain hears:

It is impossible for me to..

• lose weight
• start exercising
• ask Mary out on a date
• ask the boss for a raise
• learn a new language
• get my finances in order

What you feel:

• discouraged
• inadequate
• anxious
• unmotivated

You are stuck.

Another example of a "stop" word is...

"have to"

What you say..

"I have to... XYZ."

What your brain hears...

• must do
• have no choice
• being forced to

You react by being resistive and digging in your heels.

What you feel:

• unmotivated
• resistive
• forced

You are stuck.

Stop words lead to the following results:

*You do nothing.

*You make up excuses to justify doing nothing.

*You will feel anxious, discouraged, unmotivated, inadequate.

*You are stuck.

Whatever you tell yourself that has strong feelings attached to it, you believe as true and do not question.

You will not get anything done, pursue any goal, change any habit, or effectively pursue any project when you are feeling unmotivated, unexcited, and turned off.

This is why "Can't" and "Have to" create feelings which will stop you in your tracks every time.

GETTING MOTIVATED Go words

These are words that YOU use that lead you to feel motivated, encouraged, energized and excited.

"Can" and "choose" are go words.

What you say:

"I can." Or "I choose to."

What your brain hears:

• I have the ability to..
• This project is doable.
• This goal is attainable.
• I am in control.
• I have options.

What you feel:

• motivated
• encouraged
• energized
• excited

You are motivated on moving forward.

"Go" words, or words of power, lead to the following results:

* You begin to look for ways to start the project.

* You find reasons to undertake the task facing you.

* You will feel empowered, encouraged, energized, excited and motivated.

* You are moving forward.

If you want more motivation, pay more attention to the words you say to yourself.

The power of words.

There is a quote from an unknown author that I have adapted (bold)..

• Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
• Be careful of your words, for your words become your feelings..
• Be careful of your feelings, for your feelings become your actions..
• Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits..
• Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character..
• Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.

Here is one other quote..

"Our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world... as in being able to remake ourselves."

(Mahatma Ghandi)

The power of words comes from feelings.

You can use your emotions as tools to apply this power to change your life.