Did you know that you can change the way you feel by simply changing the language you use? When you ask someone how they are and you get the response like – hanging in there, struggling, things could be worse, how does that make you feel? Do you feel energised, excited and enthusiastic or miserable and downright sad? When asked how they are feeling, what are people saying when they say they are”fine”. What they really mean is that they are Fecked up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional.

Maybe you are not aware of these things consciously but I can assure you, the way people communicate with you does have an effect on your own energy and enthusiasm. What happens when instead of these negative responses you hear something like, I’m feeling great, I am fantastic, couldn’t be better. The person’s positive approach spreads to you and you can’t help feel a little better yourself.

I have also noticed that if we can get into the habit of speaking in a positive way even if we are not feeling particularly positive at the time, talking in a positive way helps us feel better and helps us get back to being positive and optimistic quicker.

We can notice a lot of this negative talk around work. Do you ever hear people say things like, “that won’t work here” or “Who do they think they are” or “What’s the point”. People who use these phrases are putting too much focus on the problem and not enough focus on the solution. I have noticed that people who use this type of language bring a whole team’s energy and enthusiasm down with them. Make a decision today not to be one of these people.

For the next 24 hours pay attention to your language. Notice the phrases you use on a regular basis when communicating with other people. Do you notice any negative phrases you use on a regular basis? If you do, take note of them and come up with better, more empowering, energising phrases to use into the future. If you notice yourself saying “I’m not too bad” or “I’m grand” try instead to start saying “ I feel fantastic” and “Life is great” and notice how differently people react to you and how much better you feel. I guarantee this change will make a profound impact on your attitude and view of life. Notice too, the phrases that other people use when talking to you. Are the words they use draining you of energy or inspiring you? If these people and what they say are not having a positive impact on you, perhaps you can share your observation with them and they too can adopt a more positive approach to the language they use.

As human beings we have a great gift of choice. We can choose the type of language we use on a daily basis. The first step is to become aware of what we are doing at the moment and then consciously coming up with better language and finally putting our new awareness into practise. It is entirely up to you so seize this opportunity to add more energy, positivity and enthusiasm to your life and to the life of those around you.

Fergal O’Connor is a Business and Personal Life Coach working in partnership with his Business and Private clients providing a supportive, confidential, challenging and non-judgemental environment to make their ambitions and dreams a reality. Fergal also facilitates a range of Coaching and Management training programs, Team facilitation workshops and is available for public speaking engagements. Fergal can be contacted at Synergy Coaching Services, Tel: (061) 467287, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it web: www.synergycoachingservices.net

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