How are you doing today?
Ok, tell the truth: how did you answer that question?
- Rubbish
- Tired
- Stressed
- Not Bad…
Those are the standard responses, right?
This week’s Mental Sunshine (no 171) is about interrupting those standard responses.
Listening to the language we use… and changing it.
Making it more positive.
I’m inviting you to conduct a little experiment with yourself:
Listen to the language you use in your everyday interactions (and with yourself) and notice how much of it is negative.
That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; it’s human nature.
Lots of people are pretty negative in the words they use.
The good news is that as we become aware of the language we use, we can change it.
Flip it around; choose a more positive word.
Create a positive bias in your language.
Here are some examples:
Instead of Sorry I’m late try Thanks for waiting
Instead of I don’t know say Let’s find out
Instead of I don’t think I can do that say I can try to do that
Instead of I know, say You’re right
When someone asks how you are, instead of Not bad try Good, thanks!
Instead of No problem say Yes of course or You’re welcome
When someone points out an error or omission, instead of apologising, say Thanks for letting me know
Using positive language can help us to build a positive mindset.
It can actually help us to lower our stress and improve our mood.
This is not about Toxic Positivity and forcing a silver lining onto every cloud.
Rather, it’s about reframing our mindset.
Challenging ourselves to find a more positive way to put things – even the tiniest of things.
Over time, this becomes easier –
And I am sure you will find that it affects your mood too.
What phrases are you going to change?
