The Power of Words – Evolve

This is my second article featuring powerful words in the English language. There are plenty of words that evoke emotion or stimulate the imagination when you hear them. One of my favorites is the word “evolve.”

I assume when most people conjure up the meaning of evolve, the most common association would be related to the biological meaning, “evolution,” and /or Darwinism. While, that is certainly true, the concept of evolving really can be applied to many more situations including the metaphysical. Our personal lives and business can both evolve.

After all, if you are not constantly evolving, doesn’t that mean you are staying the same? And, if you are staying the same, then how are you developing, improving or changing as new life and business needs arise?

EVOLVE

 Verb: to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state: to develop by a process of evolution*

 My favorite part of that definition is the phrase “advanced state.” That is what we are all striving for. Advancement in our abilities, advancement in our communication and openness, advancement in business and our relationships. With advancement, there is power. There is growth and learning.

Leading companies stay in front of the competition by continuing to learn from the market and evolve (or advance) in their products or services. If Apple had not continued to evolve its products the use of “iTunes,” “iPads,” “iPods,” “i – anything”  would not be a part of our daily lexicon. 

A modern marketer must understand the power of words in order to create meaningful messages that resonate. A good brand must continue to evolve. Madonna may be one of the masterminds in brand marketing. She has continued to stay in her industry for more than 30 years due to her keen ability to evolve.

Stop for a moment and think of a character weakness you have. For example, I sometimes talk before I listen. If I can evolve my behavior in such a way where I am more aware of that issue, I could learn a great deal more.

Now, think about your company. Imagine a business challenge that is really holding back progress. If you had the power to evolve your problem solving or your leadership so that you could effectively fix that problem, your business could run more effectively.

The origin of the word “evolve” dates back to the 1640s, "to unfold, open out, expand," from Latin evolvere "to unroll, roll out, roll forth, unfold," especially of books; figuratively "to make clear, disclose; to produce, develop," from assimilated form of ex- "out" (see ex-) + volvere "to roll" (see volvox). Meaning "to develop by natural processes to a higher state" is from 1832.

Open out your business strategy. Develop your personal goals. Achieve more through one simple verb – “evolve.”

* Source: Merriam Webster