Your Words Are Powerful | How the Power of Words Can Change Your Life

If you had super strength, how would you use it? Would you use it heroically to save people from crushed cars?

Most people would say yes.

But, could you imagine using your gift to sucker punch yourself in the face - repeatedly? Or what about destroying buildings and slamming people into concrete parking lots?

Sounds terrifying, right? Why would anyone abuse their power like that to hurt themselves or anyone else?

I hope if you had such an incredible superpower that you would use it for the greater good.

But, what if I told you that your words are just as powerful as super strength. So many people misuse their words because they don't understand the true power they possess.

Let’s unpack the true power of words and discover ways you can use them to your benefit.

What Fuels The Power of Words

Repetition

Our brains are wired to find patterns. We’re creatures of habit, and change is often uncomfortable. This means, by default, we’ll stick with what feels natural or familiar to us, regardless if it’s to our benefit or not. If we say, think, or encounter a message over and over again, we’ll start to believe it, even if it’s hurtful or simply not true.

Connotation

Words carry inherent meaning. Every word has a definition, yes, but some words carry unspoken baggage. Some words, meaning one thing years ago, have taken on an entirely new identity over time. Likewise, labels that we put on ourselves and others can subconsciously shape our opinions, so use them carefully.    

How Words Impact Yourself & Others

The words you say to yourself or to others leave a lasting impact.

What you think and what you say have the power to really change things physically, mentally, and emotionally in yourself and in those around you.

Let’s dive into the ways you encounter words and how they can shape your life.

Your Listening & Reading Habits

What do you listen to? What do you read about? What do you watch?

This includes the words you listen to in music, hear in movies or the news, and read in books, magazines, or social media. Take a moment to evaluate the media you engage with. Do you notice any feelings of resistance or justification as you think about your listening and reading habits? Do you catch yourself thinking:

It's just a song/show; it doesn't matter.

I can't understand what they're saying anyway.

I only listen for the beat.

I only watch it because it’s funny.

Truth is, the words - they're still there - and their message, whether positive or hurtful, will impact you, whether you believe in their influential power or not.

Think about it. If someone throws you a baseball, and you don't see it coming, is it still going to hit you in the face? Would you say, "I don't see it coming, so it can't hurt me."? The answer is obvious. You're getting a goose egg from that fly ball.

The messages you hear, again and again, will influence what you believe. And what you believe, will affect your actions.

If you constantly hear something, you’ll start to believe that it’s true or more normal than you once thought. If you constantly read that something is good for you, you’ll stop questioning it, even if the sources aren't exactly credible.

Repetition normalizes things in our brain, and we crave familiarity. The type of media you engage with really matters and it does influence your thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

Your Speaking & Thinking Habits

How do you talk to yourself? How do you talk about others?

Many of us don't recognize the power of words, so we speak without a filter. This can hurt ourselves and others in our lives - even our dearest loved ones.

Self-talk is crucial to maintaining good mental health. How often do you talk down to yourself? If we were honest, most of us would be ashamed to share the things that we tell ourselves every day.

You’re a failure.

You’ll never be good enough.

You’re not worth it.

How could anyone love you?

Would you ever tell your friend what you tell yourself in secret? What if you found out your friend was thinking those terrible things about themselves? Would that anger and upset you? Of course, it would! Because you know your friend is worth so much more, and they deserve so much better.

Truth is, so do you. As a person, you carry inherent value, and you should treat yourself as such. When you talk down to yourself, or speak lies over yourself, that affects your wellbeing. The opposite is true when you speak truth, life, and love into your life.

How To Leverage The Power of Words

If you want to use the power of words to empower positive change in your own life and in the lives of those around you, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions.

• What do you listen to, watch, and read?
• What do you tell yourself in secret?
• What do you say about others?

Once you’ve got a list together, consider the quality of those words.

• Are they positive and uplifting?
• Are they truthful?
• Are they kind?

If not, you have an opportunity to make some positive changes. It won’t be easy, and it won’t feel very comfortable at first. But you have a choice, and the impact on your mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing will be massive.

If you want to create a positive impact in your life, start engaging with more media that’s truthful, uplifting, and kind. You can also change the way you think about yourself and talk about others.

Start with simple statements of gratitude. What are you thankful for? What do you appreciate about life and the world you live in? Use positive, truthful affirmations and return to them often. Think about those things for a while, and see how it changes your perspective.

Words are powerful. Use them to your benefit – and to the benefit of those around you. It all starts with recognizing that truth. Your words affect yourself and those around you - for better, or for worse. And you get to decide how you’ll use and interact with words in your life.