Let’s talk about the power of words for a minute.  We often talk about the power words have to hurt others, especially when talking about bullying,  but we seldom consider the words we use in our own day to day life.  How I use those words and the power I give them, changes how they affect me.

Anxious/nervous:  Anxiety has become the catch all for any time we feel overwhelmed or lose control of our feelings or the situation we find ourselves in.  What I’ve challenged myself to ask is am I feeling anxiety (overwhelming, out of control, debilitating) or am I feeling nervous and appropriately so (butterflies, a bit on edge, excited or a little afraid) Having anxiety can stop me from doing something, being nervous and appropriately so isn’t as much of a barrier and I can overcome it.

Just: Using the word just to open an email or a conversation tends to diminish the message or the sender.  “I’m JUST a…”  We used to use that a lot at work, I’m just an acting Team Lead or acting analyst or acting coach which diminishes the work you’re doing while in that position, rather than owning what you’re doing at that time.  I’m a Senior Manager, I bring value, I’m good at it!

Stress/pressure: Stress for me has become synonymous with events that have the potential to change my life or impact it very negatively.  Owning my own business was a stressful time for me.  Being solely responsible for the income and lives of my team for those years took a toll on me, sleepless nights, worry, anxiety, loss of control.  I have seldom experienced that kind of stress and haven’t since I finally settled all the debts etc from the business.  Pressure on the other hand, I thrive in.  I am at my best when under pressure to perform.  I have pressure in my daily life at work and in my personal life and that is the fuel that pushes me to be better.

Urgent/important:  so many things are labeled urgent when in fact they are most definitely important, they are seldom urgent!

Seriously/personally:  long ago a mentor and one of my first bosses said to me, “when I give you feedback on your performance or an issue I need you to correct, take it seriously but don’t take it personally, we are talking about the job, not your worth as a human being ” and that stuck with me!  Easier said than done at times and some bosses definitely made it personal but as a whole that’s helped me navigate tough situations much better.

These don’t solve it all for sure but they’ve helped me along the way…

#2022AdventureIsCalling #miramichiproud #wordshavepower