The Power of Language in Shaping Wellbeing

Language has the power to shape our reality. The words we use to describe ourselves and our experiences have a profound impact on our mindset and actions. In the context of wellbeing, labels like "stressed," "burnt out," or "busy" often serve as shorthand for our emotions and states of being. However, these labels can also keep us trapped in a fixed narrative, preventing us from evolving and moving forward. When we identify too strongly with these labels, we risk limiting our potential for change and growth.

As a former nurse leader with experience in both private and public healthcare settings across different countries, I've seen firsthand how these labels can shape the way we approach wellbeing—both for ourselves and for the people we lead. One thing has become abundantly clear to me: people support what they help create. This is true whether we are dealing with patients in a healthcare setting or customers in any other industry. Positive change begins with the individual, but it spreads through the entire community. When one person shifts their mindset or behavior, it has a ripple effect that touches everyone around them.

For example, when I worked with teams in healthcare, I saw how one leader’s commitment to wellbeing could influence an entire department. Whether in a hospital in Kuwait or a clinic in the UK, the results were the same: when leaders created a culture of empathy, curiosity, and understanding, the entire team flourished. This is not a quick fix. It takes time, patience, and a consistent effort to shift the narrative from a place of stress and burnout to one of thriving and resilience.

The landscape of leadership and wellbeing is evolving, and we need to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While wellbeing has become its own industry, each organization is unique, and the strategy and solutions must be customized to fit its specific needs. As Deloitte points out in their research, the future of work is human-centered, and the skills we need to thrive—both as individuals and as organizations—are human skills. These include emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to make informed, conscious choices.

If we want our people to have good wellbeing, we must ask them for the meaning of wellbeing in their lives. We need to engage them in the conversation and equip them with the literacy and skills to create it for themselves. This involves providing the tools they need to make informed choices about their health and happiness, rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s not enough to just measure wellbeing and expect instant results. We need to understand what wellbeing truly means to the people we lead, listen to their experiences, and offer them the resources to take ownership of their own wellbeing journey.

In my Mentally Agile Leadership Program?, I work with leaders to help them develop these human skills—skills that allow them to understand and nurture the wellbeing of their teams. It’s not about simply adding a yoga session or a “pizza Friday” to boost morale. It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to take control of their own wellbeing. When we shift our focus from quick fixes to long-term, sustainable solutions, we can create cultures of resilience and thriving that will last.

This shift in mindset is essential for the future of leadership and organizational success. As we continue to evolve in our leadership practices, we must embrace the idea that wellbeing is not something to be “managed” or “measured” from a distance. It’s something to be understood, nurtured, and actively cultivated through authentic connection and continuous learning.

Thank you for being part of this journey to create healthier, more human-centered workplaces. Together, we can shift the narrative from stress and burnout to one of thriving and resilience. Let’s continue to challenge the status quo and build a future where wellbeing is truly at the heart of everything we do.

Are you ready to create a customized wellbeing strategy for your team? DM me to learn more about my Mentally Agile Leadership Program? and get your free workbook with your first session. Together, we can shift the narrative and build thriving, resilient organizations.

No prescription for stress free work in healthcare industry.

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Till next time,

Magda Snowden

Nurse Executive | Mental Agility Expert | Healthcare -Leadership Coach | MHFA I Wellness Warrior I Author I Podcaster