Did you know that over 80% of the conversation you hear around you is negative? It either tears someone or something down or is centered on the past – neither of which are productive. Examples:
- complaining
- whining
- traffic
- illness
- weather
- the “news”
- gossip
- sarcasm
- one-ups-manship
- self-deprecation
- things you can’t change.
Most people don’t talk about the past in order to learn from it, they just rehash it for the sake of easy conversation.
Unless you are talking about the past in order to learn from it, it is entirely unproductive. And when you have goals as big and audacious as the goals you have, you do not have time to be unproductive.
Negative talk also means tearing something or someone down. It can be overt or insidious.
Sarcasm, which on the surface appears to be humorous, is negative because it builds you up by tearing someone or something down. Self deprecation doesn’t build anyone up, it simply tears you down. One-upsmanship is based on negative competition – if someone wins it means someone else loses.
Negative language is habitual. Most negative people don’t even realize they use it and would tell you they are the most positive people they know. And yet, their language is full of negativity.
Being positive doesn’t mean happy, happy, joy, joy. It means using authentic language that focuses on the ideal future.
Being positive means you dwell in possibility, strategy, vision, goals, and “why not?”
Being positive means you give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Being positive means you always take the high ground.
Being positive means you expect to be delighted.
By its very nature then, being positive is productive. And isn’t being productive what will get you to the top?
Listen to the conversations you hear around you – the language you hear in the check-out line, at parties, dropping your child off at school, even at church! Most of what you hear will be negative (unproductive).
As you begin to notice it, you may start to feel lonely. (This is a good sign!) It means you have become aware of the difference in language.
Counter negative talk with something positive (and watch how others resist that!)
Then surround yourself with positive, forward thinking people. People that think the best – about you, about your business, about anything. If you want to grow and thrive, you must absolutely insist upon it!
Be bold!
- Ann
P. S. Jumpstart your thinking with my free 7-day “Take Back Your Life!” video course!
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Ann Vertel, PhD Success Psychologist / Entrepreneur Mindset Expert http://AnnVertel.com |
Dr. Ann Vertel is a success psychologist and entrepreneur mindset expert who speaks, writes, and trains on how to win the inner game of entrepreneurial success. She is the creator of The Millionaire Mindset Method, a proven step-by-step program to shatter your money limits so you can earn what you are worth. To get your own copy of her success mindset articles visit http://AnnVertel.com.Connect with Ann...
