Word Power

Funny how powerful changing one word can impact your mindset.

For example, when it comes to eating healthy and/or foregoing the junk, instead of saying, “I have to avoid junk food and eat more veggies,” replace that “have” with a “get,” and the sentence has an entirely new meaning and mindset.

Or maybe you view exercise as your “have to.” That has a negative ring to it, doesn’t it? And that may eventually sap your motivation over time. Another way to approach this is to think, “I GET to exercise,” and soon those workouts will be viewed as a more pleasant experience - at least that’s the goal here!

There’s a positive side to most everything, and sometimes it takes bringing out that inner Pollyanna to see it, or at least inviting her to visit every once in a while.

Let’s take my crazy sugar cravings as an example. I had to take a good look at myself (which can be difficult), figure out what was going on, how to take better care of myself, make changes, and put forth effort to tame my sweet tooth and stop the cycle of binging on sugar. In fact, I will always have to be mindful of what I eat/how I feel and not overdo it in the dessert department in order to keep those horrible sugar cravings/binges from returning. Instead of thinking, “I have to stop eating all this sugar. I’m going to go out of my mind,” I can think of the positive side and replace that “have” with “get.” Now…

I get to embark on a new adventure
I get to do something healthy for myself
I get to think clearer, have more energy, and maintain stability in my moods
I get to try new recipes for “cleaner” foods
I get to become friends with protein
I get to learn more about myself and how to better care for my body
I get to save my teeth for goodness sake!

I would do well to apply this mindset more often in other areas of my life. I’m not a natural at it. Yet, I am fascinated at how replacing those “have to’s” with “get to’s” brightens up an otherwise tough or dull situation - all because of one little word.

10 Responses to “Word Power”

on 26 Jul 2008 at 7:42 am
1Crabby McSlacker

Oh dear, I think I need a serious vocabulary change! I spend most of my days grousing about the things I “have” to do.

But then I might have to change my blog to Perky Fitness and none of my friends would recognize me.

Sounds very sensible though!
on 26 Jul 2008 at 10:15 am
2Susan

Crabby,
Don’t change! I like you the way you are!
on 26 Jul 2008 at 1:57 pm
3Sagan

And isn’t this just the truth! Everything negative has a positive side if we can figure out how to spin it. Heart the optimism:)

Also I tried you stuffed bell peppers- so delicious!
on 26 Jul 2008 at 2:45 pm
4The Bag Lady

It’s amazing how substituting one word for another can totally change your outlook! What a clever girl you are! Thanks for pointing this out. I GET to try it now!
on 26 Jul 2008 at 3:56 pm
5Susan

Sagan,
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the peppers.

Bag Lady,
Aww, thank you! And have fun trying it out!
on 27 Jul 2008 at 2:21 pm
6Every Gym's Nightmare

so true. Im so busy that i usually opt to work out at home or go fro runs but when i get the chancto go to the gym its always, “yay, i get to go to the gym today!” people think im nuts, but thats ok because they will all have heart attacks soon.

kidding.

http://www.groundedfitness.com
on 28 Jul 2008 at 11:22 am
7Mark Salinas

Very good….nice post!
on 28 Jul 2008 at 5:02 pm
8Susan

Every Gym’s Nightmare,
I think it’s commendable that you look forward to going to the gym. Good for you!
on 28 Jul 2008 at 6:47 pm
9MizFit

I LIKE IT.

I now shall make TO GET lists!
on 30 Jul 2008 at 8:06 am
10Susan

That’s awesome, MizFit!