Everyone has heard ‘change my thoughts, change my life’. I’ve said it before, and I will probably say it again: easier said than done. Why you ask? Thoughts are complex and consist of our accumulated lifetime of beliefs, emotions, attitudes, opinions, and judgements. We’ve all had those moments when something came out and we said: was that out loud? Or where did that come from?

As someone who likes to break things down, it takes a series of words to formulate a thought. I’ve been journalling for decades and am keenly aware of my words. Within my circle of friends, I am affectionately known as the language police. It was by increasing my consciousness about words that I was able to change my thoughts and my life. My intention with this check-in is to raise your awareness about the words you use most in your thoughts.

Preferably, you are willing to check in on both external and internal dialogues. We don’t give the words we use in internal dialogues nearly as much attention as when we communicate with others. These inner dialogues and the choice of words we use have the potential to erode who we are. If you’re curious check out my blog on the inner critic. I believe words have the power to limit our potential if we don’t pay attention.

Here is the list of words I chose to focus on. Your list might be different depending on the words you notice you use most often and whether those words leave a positive or negative vibration.

• Should have, would have, and could have - these are words we use to make ourselves wrong by reinventing the event or experience; these expressions keep us stuck in the past, rather than focused on moving forward to solution. The use of these words perpetuates a world of judgement, beginning with self-judgement. The word HAVE also implies there is no choice!

• Accountable language – the word ‘I’ – the use of the word I when referring to ourselves is accountable language. For some of us, this is uncomfortable. The language police is known for jokingly correcting friends’ use of we with “who’s the we, you got a mouse in your pocket?” Using we includes others without their permission. It is also part of how we campaign.

• Can and Can’t: Ford once stated: “Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right”.

• Will vs Want: be aware that you may want something and not have the will to act. My journals contained a whole lot of wants and I never acted towards those wants. When I changed my wants to I will, forward movement occured more naturally.

• Just: I learned to see how I use this word as a form of diminishment. Any word that is used as a form of diminishment is on this list.

Curious about checking in? Here’s how it works:

• Choose the words/expressions you want to check-in on

  
  

• Commit to checking in at least once a day for a week

• Place ONE word or expression on individual sticky notes

• Use check marks or numbers to tally your daily count

• Keep the sticky notes where you will see them often

• Be patient, it takes time

• Its helpful to ask friends to let you know when you use certain words or expressions. We

  become unconscious about our choice of words.

Words do make a difference. Once you get comfortable with this process, I suggest you try using it with words or expressions you use, most often in internal dialogues, that diminish you. Most of all, have fun with this! As a results-driven person, the visual created enough evidence for me to pay more attention!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at lucie@life-changesconsulting.com