Don’t Be Defeated by Self-Talk!

Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2003)

I’ve found that in business there’s victim thinking that says I have to. And there’s a Winner thinking that says I choose to.

Let me tell you what I mean. On the plane, the executive next to me revealed how exhausting her work is. She said things like: “I have to leave home at 6:30 every morning to beat the traffic. I have to attend a daily meeting with the VP of marketing. I have to go to Germany next month.”

I laughed, “No wonder you’re exhausted! Your motor’s running but the parking break is on! I suggested she quit using the powerless phrase “I have to.” She can empower herself by saying “I choose to,” “I get to” or by just stating the facts.

For example: saying “I choose to leave at 6:30 to avoid the traffic” means she’s making a quality choice that’ll make the commute easier. Saying “I get to go to Germany” affirms the company appreciates her special skills — plus she gets to go on an adventure most people will never experience. Stating “I meet with the VP of marketing” clarifies her duties. It signals she’s in control of where her time and energy go.

It’s smart to not use the phrase I have to unless you want to tell the listener you’re being forced to do something against your will. Victims say I have to. Smart winners say I choose to.

This is Doug Smart w/ Smarter by the Minute. CHOOSE to make today a great day!

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 9th, 2006 at 9:32 am and is filed under Podcast. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Don’t Be Defeated by Self-Talk!

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