Would you say you’re more positive or negative?
Have you ever automatically called yourself a dummy or idiot after making a mistake?
When you’re in a group of people, and they start complaining, have you ever joined in without even thinking about it?
In part 3 of our personal growth series, we’re unpacking the key to personal growth that many people underestimate and miss out on the power it provides.
Today is for you if…
We’ve learned personal growth is about growing ourselves so we can serve at a higher level. We’ll also be able to enjoy our life more on the way to where we’re going.
To grow into our best selves, we must also harness the power of our words.
“Your beliefs become
Your thoughts.
Your thoughts become
Your words.
Your words become
Your actions.
Your actions become
Your habits.
Your habits become
Your values.
Your values become
Your destiny.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Your thoughts become your words.
Whatever you think about or dwell on comes out of your mouth.
There’s power in our words.
Words can create or words destroy.
We choose whether we bring life or death with our words.
1 Peter 3:10 NASB
The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
Evil = inwardly foul or rotten (poisoned).
Deceit = bait used to hook people, especially those festering in excessive, emotional pain (brought on by themselves).
When I made a mistake, I was relentless with my negative self-talk–poisoning me.
Do you know what else I did? I spoke deceit. First, those words are not what God says about me, so I’m deceiving myself.
Second, I would stuff my hurt and pain and tell people I’m okay not to hurt someone else’s feelings. That’s also deceit.
My words matched my thoughts and beliefs that I wasn’t enough and that my voice didn’t matter.
As we grow and change our beliefs and thoughts, our words don’t automatically align with our beliefs and thoughts. Why?
Autopilot.
We’ve been saying these negative things about ourselves or others for so long; it’s a habit.
You see negative words used everywhere. Just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t mean we have to live that way.
We need to get our words working for us instead of against us, just like we do with our thoughts.
Steps to swap out our autopilot:
1. Choose Your Words
Start with the words you proactively chose to change your thoughts.
2. Use the Law of Exchange
Now, exchange the negative words for the positive ones.
Say them out your mouth…There’s power in hearing yourself speak life.
3. Rinse and Repeat
You didn’t create your negative word autopilot overnight, and you won’t swap it out for your positive autopilot overnight, either.
It takes time and consistency.
As you harness the power of our words, you’re growing, and you’ll find that you’re naturally encouraging others with your words too.
If you know someone, this podcast will help. Would you please share it with them?
Thanks a bunch for listening!
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
