Words and Emotions
In his best-selling book “Awaken the Giant Within,” Anthony Robbins devotes an entire chapter to the way in which our vocabulary affects our emotions, our beliefs, and our effectiveness in life.
I don’t agree with all of Robbins’ philosophies, but his observations about the power of words are right on the mark. Robbins is keenly aware of how certain words impact our emotional intensity.
For instance, let’s say that someone has lied to you. You could react by saying that you’re “angry” or “upset.” If, however, you used the words “furious,” “livid” or “enraged,” your physiology and your subsequent behavior would be dramatically altered. Your blood pressure would rise. Your face would turn beet red. You’d feel tense all over.
On the other hand, what if you characterized the situation as “annoying” or said that you were “peeved”? This lowers your emotional intensity considerably. In fact, saying that you are “peeved,” explains Robbins, will probably make you laugh – and break the negative emotional cycle completely. You’d be much more relaxed.
Robbins gives other examples of how you can lower the intensity of negative emotions.
Imagine, for instance, replacing “I’ve been destroyed” with “I’ve been set back”… or using the phrase “I prefer” instead of “I hate.” Of course, you can also intentionally select words to heighten positive emotions.
Instead of saying “I’m determined,” why not say “I’m unstoppable!” Or, in place of declaring that you “feel okay,” try “I feel phenomenal!” or “I feel just tremendous!” Juicy, exciting words like that lift your spirits to a higher level and profoundly influence those around you. When you consciously decide to use such terms, you’re actually choosing to change the path on which you’ve been traveling.
Others will respond to you differently and you’ll alter your perception of yourself, as well.
