The Energy of Words
“Speech is the mirror of the soul.” — Publilius Syrus
The Obstacle
Words are just words.
That’s what we tell ourselves.
Of course they have meaning.
We forget they also carry energy and intent.
To lead ourselves well we have to notice what our words are doing beneath the surface.
Hear the inner complaints?
Listen to the internal and external language we use:
I can’t.
I don’t want to.
I have to.
No.
Frustrated.
Boring.
This is annoying…
What energy does that bring?
What intent?
To us.
The task.
The moment.
Does that language help us perform better?
Focus more clearly?
Solve the problem in front of us?
When others hear it.
Does it increase trust?
Motivation?
Momentum?
Make conflict easier to resolve?
Are those the words of a good leader?
The Gift and Opportunity
We are leaders.
Of ourselves if no one else.
We set the tone for how we engage.
Focus.
Perform.
And for how others engage with and for us.
Good performance starts with good thoughts.
Effective leaders use words that charge and don’t drain.
Can.
Want to.
Get to.
Yes.
HELL YES!
Curious.
Excited…
Same situation.
Different energy.
Words don’t just describe our experience.
They shape it…
Use the energy of words.
The Practice of Self-Mastery
Notice your default language, especially under pressure
Ask, “What energy does this word bring?”
Cease the inner complaints and the outers will follow
Choose words that support focus, performance, and connection
CHEAT CODE: STOP → NOTICE → PAUSE → CHANGE THE WORD → CHANGE THE ENERGY
