The pen is mightier than the sword.
Actions speak louder than words.
Clothes make the man.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
IS YOUR head spinning yet? Many wise sayings have an opposite version. To balance it, perhaps? Maybe so.
You can scour the internet for an inspirational quote to justify anything you want to do. Want to save money? Well, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Are you on edge because management won’t support your campaign? Then “you have to spend money to make money!”
We love motivational quotes because it reinforces what we want to believe is true. It provides us with a quick burst of mental energy.
Words wield power!
Quotes “convince” because the collective meaning of the words used shapes perceptions. Our perceptions, in turn, shape our beliefs, propel behavior, and create our environment.
The power comes from our emotional responses whenever we read, speak, or hear them. For instance, “Actions speak louder than words” can become a neglected lover’s battle cry. How about the power of a single word? The word “fire” can elicit different responses in a crowded room and at a family barbecue.
On the flip side, words can injure. We’ve all been hurt by what someone has said to us. So why are we still so careless with words? Why do we even humor ourselves with it?
Worse, why do we continue to say things to ourselves that are even worse than what we say to another? How many times have you called yourself untalented, ugly, stupid, or anything else?
Change your inner propaganda by:
Ditching name-calling and criticism – Not just others but most especially yourself. Everyone is doing the best they can, including you. Be kind and offer yourself the same compassion and empathy you’d give to someone else.
Quitting self-deprecation – Quit poking fun at your body, physical attributes, or accomplishments. Nobody should be the butt of jokes. The negative energy from the pessimism does not have a sense of humor!
Going on a negativity detox – Reword your thoughts. For example, instead of saying that: the book you read was poorly written, say, “I’ve read much better.” This accomplishes two things – you said what you needed to say without using negative terms.
Avoiding speaking ill of others – This includes gossiping. When you speak ill of someone, the negative energy resonates within you as well. Use constructive criticism instead.
Spending less time with the “negatrons” – Limit the time you spend with the negative “nancys” in your group. Negative energy has a way of sucking everything around it into a black hole.
Surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting words – Keep a journal. Write affirmations on sticky notes right where you can see them daily such as bathroom mirror, kitchen fridge, microwave, and dashboard. It may be a favorite quote or some wonderful things about you, your family, your children, your goals, or your work./PN
