Our words have tremendous power. Have you ever noticed how they are the building blocks to your reality? Now let me ask: Are there things that you want but they always seem just out of reach and you can’t figure out why? Let's take a minute to explore the language you use in connection to your desire. Let’s say it’s a trip to France--are you saying: "When I get to France, seeing the Eiffel Tower is at the top of my list!" or are you saying things like: "I wish I could go to France but there’s never enough time or money." I can guarantee if you’re using the latter statement it will take you much, much longer to get to France.
One of the statements I’ve been known to make over the years is: "I’m not a runner," and here’s why I decided to take a closer look at that…
A few months ago I found myself racing through the Chicago airport desperately trying not to miss my connection. I was on my way to Tucson and I really, really wanted to be there. I was looking forward to being in the sun, exploring a new place, and having some downtime with friends before our training started the next day. My plane had been a little late and the connection was tight to begin with which left me with minutes to make it to the other side of a huge airport, so I grabbed my bags and ran…as fast as I could.
Here’s what I learned:
- Despite regular yoga classes and daily walks with my dog my aerobic stamina was basically nonexistent.
- Running with bags is a bad idea.
- All of my years of saying "I’m not a runner" were catching up to me and creating my reality of feeling like I was about to fall over and die from lack of oxygen.
The good news… I made it to my plane (by the skin of my teeth)! The bad news was that my lungs were destroyed, I was wheezing and gasping for air, and I must have looked like a crazy person with a respiratory infection because the guy next to me looked a little panicked to be stuck sitting with me.
What evolved from that moment was that I wanted to be able to handle at least a basic amount of aerobic challenge and the statement "I’m not a runner" was going to have to go. As long as I kept using it there would be no room for me to begin, or even attempt, a running routine.
Here’s what I did:
- I started with the thought "I can run short distances."
- I focused on the fun parts…being outside, time with my teenage daughter who’s kind enough to slow down so that I can keep up with her, moving my body in a new way, getting stronger and taking pleasure in the little improvements I see every time I go out.
- I stay connected to what I want: being able to run short distances without dying.
I don’t want to give you the wrong idea. I don’t see any marathons, or even 5K’s, in my future. However by making a few simple shifts in language and attitude I’m now proudly able to say I can run a solid mile!
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Even a subtle shift in how you use words can make a huge difference. Check out THIS GUY'S STORY on how changing his password, changed his life.
Now it’s your turn.
What would you like more of in your life? Are your words supporting your success or keeping you from reaching it? I’d love to hear what you discover; be sure to add your comments below!