That voice is lying to you. It doesn’t want personal growth – it wants comfort.
Linguistic relativity says that the words we speak influence the way we think or perceive our reality. When I wrote about removing the word “should” from our vocabulary, it was with this in mind.
Lately, I’ve taken to deliberately choosing my words when addressing myself with noticeable results.
“Tal,” I said, “you’re going to publish three times today.” And here we are on number three. Sure, they’re all the shorter atomic articles that are all the rage, but I did it.
Before, self-judgment reigned supreme. I’d say, “I should be writing.” That word and all of its associated guilt and judgment only served to help me procrastinate harder and feel worse in the end. And it took away the accountability. I should be writing, but I have this or that to do instead. Rubbish.
Judgment and guilt will not do. Let’s be about self-empowerment. Choose the words that are going to motivate you into action. You will — or if that’s too forceful, a whimsical “I might” works too!
Call yourself by your name to add a little razzle-dazzle! When you do this, you’re not just focusing on your intent; you’re creating distance between yourself and negative emotions. It’s a win-win!
My challenge to you is to change how you speak to yourself in a tiny way. Do it each day until it becomes a habit. Do it until you are your best cheerleader. Do it until there is zero room for doubt that you can accomplish anything you work at.
Be your own hype-person! How will you rewrite your inner script?
Wanna help me quit my 9-5? Read this story on Medium, too!