The words you use influence how you see the world
Language is not just a way to communicate, but also a way to shape our thinking. For example, if you tell yourself “I can’t eat X,” it feels like a restriction. But if you say “I don’t eat X,” it feels like a conscious choice. Research shows that people who say “I don’t eat…” are more likely to make healthy choices than those who say “I can’t eat this.” This small difference in words can greatly affect how we see ourselves and how motivated we are.
How we talk to ourselves is important for how we tackle problems and achieve goals. Research shows that people who ask themselves questions like “Will I do this?” perform better than those who say “I will do this.” Asking questions helps us think about what we are doing and why, and it makes us more motivated. By using questions in our self-talk, we can better handle challenges and make choices that suit us.
The language we use, both in our heads and with others, determines how we experience the world. By consciously choosing words that give us power and freedom of choice, we can positively influence ourselves and our behavior. It is important to pay attention to our choice of words and how we talk to ourselves, as this directly affects our well-being and how well we perform.
