Written by 
This report is an excerpt from the book “Orchestrating Attitude“.)
Did you know that you talk more to yourself than to anyone else in the world? In the face of challenging situations (and we all have our share), the words you choose for that conversation with yourself will directly impact how long you will find yourself in those situations. Use your words to change your situation, not to describe it. The moment you speak something – good or bad – you give birth to it as an idea, an expectation, a desire. You have planted the seed that will, sooner or later, grow into the results you will reap.
When you’re feeling somewhat down-spirited, don’t tell people how you feel, tell them how you want to feel. By controlling what you say and how you say it – using positive words with enthusiasm – you help to change your physical and mental state. As George W. Crane said, Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.”
I remember the year I started my own business. I jokingly refer to it as “the year I told a million lies”. Let me explain. Like most start-up businesses, I had my share of challenges, disappointments and adjustments. I recall many well-intended friends asking me, “Hey, Lee, how’s your business coming along?” I could have described my situation by saying, “Gee, it’s been a tough year. I have had to really dig into my savings to keep things going and it’s been a lot harder than I thought it would be to convert my existing business relationships into paying customers. To boot, it’s a lot more work than I thought it would be.”
Trust me, I had my moments, when that was exactly what I said, but I noticed a trend. That type of response not only dragged my friends down – and no one wants to hang around a downer for too long – it was planting the seeds of doom for my business. So, I decided to use my words to change my situation rather than describe it. I wasn’t telling a lie, I was simply “choosing my view”. So, I said something like, “I feel good about my prospects and am confident that I am doing the right things that will pay off long-term. Most importantly, I am passionate about my work and that’s a victory in itself.” My words planted the seeds of the success that was to come. The good news was that I only had to tell a half-million “lies” my second year!
Most people enjoy working and living with people who live and work with a positive, upbeat attitude. Tell people how you want to feel and it won’t be long before you do. So, the next time you are feeling gloomy and a friend asks you how you are doing….talk yourself up!
See how well you are really talking yourself up by taking the Free Attitude Tune-up.
What do you say? Make it a great day!
Copyright © 2007 by Lee J. Colan