Ep. 21 - Why Words Matter

Today, we're diving deep into the essence of my book and the profound impact it has had on shaping my life. But before we delve into that, let's take a moment to embrace gratitude because, trust me, it's a game-changer. Gratitude sets the stage for positivity and fuels our journey towards greater heights. So, let's give a big shoutout to my buddy, Chris Kolenda at Strategic Leaders Academy. Chris consistently delivers insightful articles that leave me with valuable takeaways every Monday.

Two years ago, Chris took me under his wing as a coach, and I'm endlessly grateful for his guidance. I also want to express my appreciation to Mervyn Byrd from Vistage, Pat Miller from The Idea Collective, and Brad Herda from Focal Point Coaching. These remarkable individuals have played pivotal roles in my journey. They helped me realize that despite once considering myself unemployable, unmanageable, and uncoachable, I am, in fact, coachable—a quality I now cherish and seek in others.

Now, let's talk about gratitude, the three-step process that Chris recently shared. First, acknowledge the specific people and their impactful actions. For instance, I vividly remember Mervyn urging me to step up my game as a business owner—a wake-up call I desperately needed. Second, appreciate how these experiences have transformed you. For me, embracing coachability has been a game-changer. And finally, anticipate more opportunities to express gratitude.

Shifting gears, let's specifically address why words matter. As I embarked on my writing journey, my attention to precise language became apparent. Influenced by thought leaders like Jordan Peterson and books like "The Four Agreements," I recognized the power of articulate speech. In a world where truth is often obscured, clear and honest communication is paramount.

I recently had an enlightening discussion with Sara from The Adulting Coach. She challenged me to reframe my perspective on writing a blog. Instead of viewing it as an obligation, look at it as an opportunity—an empowering shift in mindset. You see, every word we choose shapes our reality. It's like solving a math equation; one wrong move can lead to an entirely different outcome.

Consider this: When we empower ourselves with positive language, we set ourselves up for success. Take the CEO who reframed his CFO's report from a negative ("we missed our goal by 2%") to a positive ("we achieved 98% of our goal"). It's a subtle yet profound shift that fosters a culture of positivity and growth. Tackling that remaining two percent next quarter? Doable.

But it's not just about external communication; it's also about how we speak to ourselves. I've learned firsthand the importance of eliminating self-limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of possibility. When we start from a place of positivity, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities.

So, here's my challenge to you: Pay attention to the words you use, both internally and externally. Do they align with the future you envision? If not, it's time to make a change—one word at a time. Because when you harness the power of language, you unlock boundless potential.

Alright, folks, that's all for today. Remember, words matter, so choose them wisely. As always; do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world and show up. I'll see you next week!