The High-Achiever Thinking Upgrade

The thoughts you think have immense power. The words you speak are the gateway to how you act, how you feel, and what you believe. 

There is no reason to be unrealistic by fake-talking yourself into having superpowers like Superman or Wonder Woman. But there is also no reason to create a negative future for yourself by using thoughts and words that don't set you on an inspired path. This is a simple series to help you dial in your neuro-linguistic vocabulary. 

I have been reading, writing, and thinking a lot about this topic... here are some of the highlights from my notes and research: 

1. Platform of Possibilities
2. Try vs. Commit
3. Stand by your opinions
4. Linguistic Trap
5. Labels are for Losers

#1: Platform of Possibilities

Recently a talented young woman told me, "I can never speak in public." However you slice it, that is absolutely not true. It's similar to what a friend told me the other day, "It is impossible to find a job." There is no way that is true either. But as I think about it, it makes me wonder if the thoughts and associated words are creating a fulfilling prophecy for my friends.

The subconscious mind interprets what it hears almost literally. That's why hokey things such as "I like myself" or "I deserve this" are extremely powerful affirmations to at least help you start the process. 

The words that we utter begin to create the reality that we eventually live; so audit yourself... audit your language and ask the question... is what I am saying creating a platform of infinite possibilities for me?

#2: Try vs. Commit

"Just TRY a piece of the spinach little Johnny." Yep, you know how that is going to end. Johnny is going to put a piece of spinach in his mouth, he is going to spit it, you are going to be utterly disappointed, and he is going to hate spinach... and anything else you ask him to "try" because knows what behavior it is going to trigger.

We should all just wipe out the concept of "trying" from our thoughts, words, and our life. There is no such thing... there are only results. We just do it, or we don't. "I will" is way better than "I'll try". I will have the short-rib is much better than I will try the short-rib. Micro-commitments will build insane amounts of self-confidence. Why don't you (try to) do it for a day? ;-)

#3: Stand by your opinions

Don't ever apologize for having an opinion, especially when you going to voice it. Saying things like, "I am not sure if others would agree but this is what I think...." or "I know I may have this all wrong however..." - it's time to stop that right now. 

"Here is what I know...." or "I believe..." or "I would recommend we..."

#4: Linguistic Trap

Words like always, never, and impossible can be very self-limiting and should be used very cautiously. I often look for these words when I am with my team, with clients, or with high achievers that I mentor... it gives me a window into understanding them and quickly helping them break through big mental barriers. A linguistic trap is when we use absolute words such as the above, it begins to create performance walls around our personal blueprints. Most of us have no idea about what is actually possible, that is why all language should lay out a platform of possibilities for us.

#5: Labels are for Losers

You can be anything you want to be. People who knew me from 10 years ago wouldn't recognize the person I am today. Heck, people who knew me 90 days ago wouldn't recognize many parts of who I am today. 

The fastest way to create a transformation in yourself or influence a transformation in others is to lose the labels. 

If you were unhealthy, you can become healthy. If you were a procrastinator, you can become an action taker. If you were a whiner, you can stop whining. If you are not a good public speaker, you can quickly turn that around. If you are "not good on camera" you can improve it quickly. Just because you failed at something, you are not a failure... lose the labels. Inject it with language of transformation such as "I am working on xxx" or "It is my goal to become awesome at...{blank}"

All the best,

Sharran

PS: Jump on my VIP list, I write a private email for top entrepreneurs every day called the Daily Mojo. I think you would enjoy it :) ?? sharran.com/dailymojo