Many of our recent conversations with clients, friends, and family, have included discussions about how to navigate the endless demands of our time.
It’s an understatement to say it, but these are challenging times in our world and our country. So many things are out of our control that it’s hard to know what to do to feel impactful in our lives.
With this in mind we want to remind you of something that is quite powerful that we do have control over: our self-talk. It’s important to remember that the way we talk to ourselves can change our sense of impact and power in our own lives.
How you talk to yourself
directly impacts your energy, engagement, and motivation –
no matter the task.
So, what’s in a word? The power to change your experience of your life from “I have to” to something that feels like you have considerably more agency, like, “I choose to.”
For example, while many of us have a long list of things we must get done, try to shift your self-talk to words that remind you that you’re making a choice:
Instead of: I have to get this project done tonight. Try: I choose to get this done tonight and free up tomorrow for other things that are priorities to me.
Instead of: I have to visit my family this weekend.Try: I want to visit my family and share some laughter.
Instead of: I have to exercise tonight and get in better shape. Try: I get to take a walk tonight and enjoy the beautiful blooms.
You get the idea.
You may be thinking “oh come on, it doesn’t change that I have to…!!!” We would counter that you’re always making choices in your moments, days, and years – grab the impact that comes from remembering you “get to” do the work, connect with the people, and participate in this precious life.
Think about some of the things you believe you “have to” do, and try replacing “have to” with one of our suggestions, or choose one of your own.
Let us know how it goes! And if you need help exploring where you have choice and where you’d like to increase choice in your life, please connect with us.