And now for this weeks report.

We communicate on several levels. Most people focus on communicating with others when they want to improve their communication. I would like to share this week that how we communicate with ourselves is probably more important.

How many times do you talk to yourself in a way that effects you negatively? Just the other day while talking to someone they said to me, “Next week is going to be a bear.” At least, I think they meant the animal bear rather than bare. Come to think of it, that would change the meaning profoundly. I digress. Say to yourself, “Next week is going to be a bear.” What does it
feel like? What images do you create in your mind? Do you imagine how fatiguing it will be? Do you see yourself not finishing most of what you want to accomplish? Do you hear the frustration in your voice as you say it? By using the phrase, “Next week is going to be a bear” we presuppose many negative things.

How do we solve this? Think of a way to say it that gives you energy rather than taking it away. How about saying, “Next week is going to be very productive.” Now, notice how that feels. Do you see yourself getting a lot done? Do you imagine yourself at the end of the week pleased because you accomplished so much? These feelings are much more likely to be productive
as they presuppose that much will be accomplished. As for fatigue, have you ever noticed that you feel a different kind of tired when you have truly gotten something done as opposed to just spinning your wheels or almost finishing something. The sense of accomplishment changes the sensation of fatigue to a well earned rest.

It’s good to have friends that are a wealth of newsletter topics. Just the same day the same friend said, “I’ve got a million things to do today”. I reminded them that the word million made the day seem overwhelming. Their reply was, “No, no, it’s all good stuff.” So does the same principle apply? I believe it does. Usage determines the meaning of words. My suspicion is that for most people when they say they have a million things to do they aren’t describing a million great things to do. I don’t recall ever hearing someone who is going to Disneyland say, “I have a million things to do.” Instead they say, “I get to go to Disneyland today.”

The point is we need to guard our mind and be aware that how we talk to ourselves affects our outlook. How do I handle this? Well, the first step is to train your ear to hear when you make statements that could be a problem. When you hear one you could say to yourself, “I don’t know if I want to affirm that.” Then, say the thought or statement in a way that brings power to you. Give it a try. I wonder how much more you could accomplish with this approach?

Make this a Dynamic week,
John Drebinger

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