The Subtlety of Language
by Jim Rohn
I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our attitude,
which of course can make a major difference in our future, can
be as simple as the language we use. The difference in even how
you talk to yourself or others. Consciously making a decision to
quit, saying what you don't want and to start saying what you do
want. I call that faith. Believing the best, hoping for the best
and moving toward the best.
A few examples could be, instead of saying, "What if somebody
doesn't respond?" you start saying, "What if they do
respond?" Instead of saying, "What if someone says no?" You
say, "What if they say yes?" Instead of "What if
they start and quit?" say, "What if they start and stay?" or "What
if it doesn't work out?" You say, "What if it does work
out?" The list goes on and on.
I found that when you start thinking and saying what you really
want then your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that
direction. And sometimes it can be that simple, just a little twist
in vocabulary that illustrates your attitude and philosophy.
Our language can also affect how others perform and behave around
us. A teenager says to a parent, "I need $10." And if
the parents learn to say, "No comprende. That kind of language
doesn't work here. We've got plenty of money, but that's not how
you get $10." Then you teach your teenager how to ask, "How
can I earn $10?"
That is the magic of words. There is plenty of money here. There
is money for everybody, but you just have to learn the magic words
to get it. For everything you could possibly want. If you just
learn the philosophy. How could I earn $10? Because you can't go
to the soil and say, "Give me a harvest." You know the
soil smiles and says, "Who is this clown that brings me his
need and brings me no seed." And if you said to the soil, "I've
got this seed and if I planted it, would you work while I sleep?" And
the soil says, "No problem. Give me the seed. Go to sleep
and I'll be working while you're sleeping."
If you just understand these simple principles, teaching them
to a teenager (or an adult) is sometimes just a matter of language.
It's like an investment account instead of a savings account. Simple
language, but so important. It is easy to stumble through almost
a lifetime and not learn some of these simplicities. Then you have
to put up with all the lack and all the challenges that don't work
out simply from not reading the book, not listening to the tape,
not sitting in the class, not studying your language and not being
willing to search so you can then find.
But here is the great news. You can start this process anytime.
For me it was at age 25. At 25 I'm broke. Six years later I'm a
millionaire. Somebody says, "What kind of revolution, what
kind of change, what kind of thinking, what kind of magic had to
happen? Was it you?" And I say, "No. Any person, any
six years, 36 to 42, 50 to 56. Whatever six years; whatever few
years you go on an intensive, accelerated personal development
curve, learning curve, application curve, and learning the disciplines.” Now,
it might not take the same amount of time, but I'm telling you
the same changes and the same rewards in some different fashion
are available for those who pay that six-year price. And you might
find that whether it's in the beginning to help get you started,
or in the middle to keep you on track, that your language can have
a great impact on your attitude, actions and results.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business
Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to www.jimrohn.com or
send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com
Copyright © 2000 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved
worldwide.
|
