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Does what we say to others have an impact on what their future holds? Does what we say in reference to ourselves have an effect on what our own future holds? Let's take a look at both of those questions.
Simple question, what makes you more comfortable and provides more confidence an up-lifting positive word spoken to you, or a negative, demeaning word? I think if we are all honest in answering, logically we would all appreciate the positive, up-lifting words. Since we feel that way, doesn't it stand to reason that others most likely feel the same? Where are some places we can practice positivity with our words?
According to the webstie littlethingsmatter, doing things that make people feel good is quite beneficial. Not only does it brighten someone's day, but it's a positive reflection on you and enhances your reputation.
In the workplace, making your co-workers feel good will enhance the work environment, making it more enjoyable; it will also increase your influence with them.In your business, making your clients and customers feel good will draw them closer to you; it will also increase your sales.In the home, it will bind your family members closer together, turning your house into a happy home.The suggestions above seem logical. You speak kind words to others and compliment them and get good results whether that's in the workplace or at home. Maybe those positive results don't come immediately, but it seems the likelihood of getting positive results from up-lifting words are much more likely than with negative or demeaning words. Wouldn't you agree?
So, how do our own words effect our own future, or do they? From the very basics of medicine, let's take a look at what Psychology Today author Lissa Rankin, M.D. writes regarding "thinking" and "healing."
First of all, thinking is "real" medicine, as proven by the placebo effect. When given a sugar pill in place of a prescription drug, an average of 30% of subjects will show a positive response. What causes this response isn't a physical substance but the activity of the mind-body connection. Expectations are powerful. If you think you've been given a drug that will make you better, often that is enough to make you better.
Interesting that when we think we've been given something that will help or heal us it does 1 out 3 times, even if it is simply a sugar pill (having no medicinal value). Along those lines, consider how far a word of encouragement might go toward someone acing that test, getting called back for a final interview, or hitting the game-winning shot?
According to New York Times Bestselling Author, Joel Osteen, declaring power (positive) words over you life has a tremendous effect. In his book I Declare, Joel Osteen, provides the following guidance:
I declare that I will use my words to bless people. I will speak favor and victory over my family, friends, and loved ones. I will help call out their seeds of greatness by telling them "I'm proud of you, I love you, you are amazing, you are talented, you are beautiful, you will do great things in life."
Imagine when you walk into the kitchen tomorrow morning for breakfast or when you walk into the office at work, the first words you are met with are, "you look nice today, or good morning, great to see you today." I think that would be a much better start to our day than a day beginning with silence or a word of discouragement such as "man, I dread work today, or I'm tired of this weather, aren't you."
If we only give this subject a short amount of thought, we can quickly be honest with ourselves and understand that words do have a tremendous effect on our lives. Who ultimately knows if words can heal, or improve our future? I don't have that answer, but what is the harm in "thinking" that words are that powerful? The worst you could do is make someone else's day better and likely your own.
littlethingsmatter.com Lissa Rankin, M.D. Joel Osteen
