The things that we hear and say have a strong impact on what we are able to do. Commonly, these are the most over-used words that people use to describe themselves, but more importantly, their actions.
When we use these words, we are sending a message out to others that creates self-limitation. These words are to be taken out of your vocabulary and every time you use them think about what it really means and reverse the usage to make your comments positive.
The first word we will look at is CAN’T. This word is the most overused cop out in the English language. What it really means is you either have little confidence or knowledge for what is being asked of you or it something that you that you are simply unwilling to do. It reads to people that this reluctance is based on something much deeper, which is a type of fear to learn or change.
The word CAN gives you the positive affirmation as well as those around you, to do what is necessary to complete the task. To make it happen shows knowledge, strength, and confidence. In many cases we find it easier to say we can’t than to go ahead and give it our best shot.
The word TRY does not have a ‘t, however, it has a huge impact on what you will accomplish. The word TRY really means that some effort is being made, but not enough to make a difference. Or rather, it’s a word with a built-in escape clause for the user. Trying is unacceptable - doing is acceptable.
The next word that we can identify with is DON’T, meaning the opposite of our old friend DO. How many times do you hear in your office, “we used to do that procedure or we used to use this marketing tool, such as birthday cards or a phone call after the first visit.” You know that list goes on and on. Matter of fact, write down all of the “we used to dos” and see how much more effective your practice will be when they are implemented back into your practice.
The word WON’T is sometimes appropriate for integrity purposes, but in many cases it shows an unwillingness to transform. That transformation means there are things that need to change, but somehow the change never takes place. If we take a way the ‘t in this case, it means that something wonderful has already happened.
Many decisions made, are based on what we won’t do and before those decisions are made it might be wiser to take a closer look at what you won’t do and what you will. Good ideas made by others could be instrumental and helpful for managing and building a stronger foundation for your practice. The words we use really identify our character and leadership ability for those around us. These words can create an atmosphere of negativity that if not recognized, may undermind you, your office, and your staff.
All of the words that end with the connotation of ‘t or ‘nt have negative undertones. For instanceself-pityms shouldn’t, wouldn’t and couldn’t, think how many times you have heard shoulda , coulda, woulda in all types of conversations on various issues, whether it was investments or goals that were, by no means met, or glory days gone by or long forgotten by most. These are the words that excuses are made from. If you find yourself or notice others around you using these terms as a form of self-expression or self-pity, you either confront the issue or cancel it out of your consciousness.
We know that the determining factor for your success is how we think, act, and do. When you think right and doing right, the right things just naturally happen. Right thinking is a habit much like wrong thinking is. It is easy to fall into the trap of using the ‘t in our conversations, but now that it is brought to your attention, see how many times you hear these words in one day.
Actually, if we break it down to the simplest terms of this message, all of the words discussed in this article, have the exact opposite meaning when they are used without a ‘ t.
With this in mind, remember, it is always better to talk in positives rather than negatives. Your patients pick up on the way we use and choose our words. It makes more sense to leave anything that you say on a positive note. Furthermore, the glory is in the giving and serving of your patients and to humanity. If you are doing that, there is not much more you need to say…at least not with an ‘t.
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Dr. Timothy J. Gay is a twenty-plus year veteran of Chiropractic health and wellness. Dr. Gay is the founder of Ultimate Practice, as well as a national speaker, an author, and has numerous CD and video products for the chiropractic profession. A highly respected and nationally recognized speaker, he holds many seminars around the country on a variety of topics. Dr. Gay can be reached at 1(866) 797-8366, or timothygaydc@ultimatepractice.com For more information on Ultimate Practice, visit their website at www.ultimatepractice.com.
