@MoRgAnMuFaSa 12 December 2022

*Monday Motivation* Change Your Words Change Your Mindset (In 5 Steps) *Written By Dr Laide Okubena* Do you find yourself constantly battling negativity? Are your words, thoughts, and actions filled with negativity? The number one way to change this is to change your words, change your mindset. And change your mindset, change your life. Change Your Words Change Your Mindset Meaning The saying is change your words, change your mindset – meaning if you’re able to choose the words you use wisely and intentionally in your life, you will be able to also see a positive change in your mindset. *#1. Stop Complaining* There are many reasons why people complain so much. But whether it is to brag, get attention, or to remove responsibility, the end result is the same. Complaining is usually a collection of negative words designed to highlight the negatives of a situation. So if you stop complaining, you will be using less negative words. This will in turn change your mindset. By not speaking negative thoughts about people or any given scenario, you are refraining from sending negative messages out to your friends, family, and coworkers. This will also impact their day in a more positive way. *#2. Look for the Growth Opportunities Instead* To change your words change your mindset, it is important that you stop complaining and look for gratitude opportunities. When you change your words and change your mindset, you will also start to see opportunities for growth where you never used to. The next time you feel like complaining, or you face an obstacle or a setback, take a minute to pause and dig in. When your instinct is to complain, stop yourself and try to see what you can learn from the setback. A growth mindset believes that growth opportunities hide in the challenges we face in our lives. Instead of complaining or giving up, remember: change your words change your mindset. Choose words that are going to remind you that you can grow and learn when you experience setbacks, struggles, or failures. *#3. Speak Positively* The next thing you need to do to change your mindset is to speak positively. The goal is to use words that are positively charged so that you remind yourself that you are locked into a positive mindset. There are a few simple word tricks you can use that shift your tone to a more positive one. For example, imagine you are running late for an important meeting. Your instinct may be to say “Sorry I’m late” followed by an explanation. To change your words for a more positive outlook, you could choose “Thank you for your patience while you waited for me”. This shifts your mindset to a more grateful one rather than a mindset that is looking to excuse yourself from whatever kept you. This shows the people you are talking to that you are grateful for their time and patience, and will give you peace of mind knowing that you are already excused for being late. *#4. “I Have To” vs. “I Get To”* If you are looking to change your words and change your mindset, this little trick may just be your new favorite. This one works particularly well if you are someone who complains a lot. Replacing have to with get to is a simple change that has a massive impact on your mindset. This is a way of tricking your brain into seeing obligations or chores as something you actually want to do. For example: rather than “I have to do Sales”, consider “I get to do the Sales so that my family can enjoy the basic things and enjoy a meal together that comes from providing these via sales.” This isn’t always easy, and it can feel pretty silly to say it, but this is a perfect example of change your words change your mindset in action. This isn’t always easy, and it can feel pretty silly to say it, but this is a perfect example of change your words change your mindset in action. *#5. Use Positive Self-Talk* The last step to change your words change your mindset is using positive self-talk. The words we use in our heads can have a major impact on our mindset. When you constantly speak negatively about yourself, it is easy to fall into a mindset trap of negativity. For example, thoughts such as “I am not good enough”, or “I’ll never reach this goal” limit our thinking into a fixed mindset. It is here that we struggle to find growth. The limiting beliefs that we hold about ourselves keep us stuck in the safety of our comfort zones, rather than taking risks. Using positive self-talk or positive affirmations for self-love will steer your thinking toward a growth mindset. Using negative words and thoughts to approach a problem shifts your mindset, which in turn impacts how you see the challenge. Is the challenge something that will keep you stuck? Or is it a growth opportunity in disguise? It is time for you to stand up and say “I am here for this challenge. I accept this challenge, and I will conquer this challenge, no matter what it takes.” If you are able to make simple changes to the words you use when facing challenges, you will change your mindset. And if you are able to change your mindset, you can change your life. Question of the day. What did you learn from this ? Thanks for attention and please enjoy your day. *Dr Laide Okubena*