How Changing Your Words Can Change Your Future

Did you know that the brain is not a fixed mass but a remarkably plastic organ that has the ability to change itself?

When you encounter a new word, for example, the brain’s neurons form numerous new connections to be able to recognize, learn and memorize this word. Some of these connections will take place in the auditory cortex, others in the associative cortex and others still in your visual cortex.

Just as children have to repeat a word several times to be able to fully master it, adults too need to say and think of a word repeatedly to strengthen the connections between the neuron. When the neurons are strongly and intimately connected, your brain is able to memorize and easily remember how to write and pronounce the word.

Every time your brain encounters a new word, it creates new neural pathways that are characterized by a strong connection between the neurons. Repetition is essential to strengthening the connections.

When one word adds to another and yet another, a string of thought is inevitably created. These thoughts, strengthened and embedded in the brain’s circuits then form our perceptions and attitudes about ourselves, others and life in general.

But, there is even more power in articulating your thoughts. When you speak out your thoughts, you are literally backing up those thoughts with action. This is an incredibly powerful way of bringing your thoughts into reality and of creating your reality.

Most of the time, people speak their minds. That is, what comes out of our mouths is usually what we are thinking or have been thinking. It is very unlikely for a person whose predominant thoughts are positive to constantly articulate negative words, and vice-versa.

The more you speak about something, the more your thoughts of that thing become strengthened in your brain and the thoughts become your outward reality. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So, how can we shift how we think and the words we use to describe yourself, others, things, places and events in your life:

Work to revise your personal narrative

Have you ever come across a person who is constantly wallowing in self-pity or who is always the victim? Everything that happens is a result of someone else’s action or inaction?

Often, such a person would have a hard time having healthy relationships or staying employed; they may fall sick or feel depressed most of the time. Their outlook is always negative and so is their personal narrative.

Changing your narrative is a constant work of altering how you interpret or perceive things.

For example, suffering a series of failed businesses is unpleasant but staying in the past can taint your potential for happiness in the present.

It may take quite some time to think from a new perspective and say, ‘Yes, I didn’t achieve what I hoped to achieve but I have found some things that didn’t work so far and can now rule them out on my road to success’.

However, such a change of thought and words can empower you and completely change your life.

Choose your company ever so wisely

You are a reflection of the five people you interact with the most.

Have you ever wondered why successful people are always in the company of other successful people?

Other people’s thoughts, worldviews and conversations can greatly impact on your own. If you want to change how you think, spend most of your time with those people who think positively. You will feel less drained, less angry, less depressed and certainly more energized and eager to explore the miracle of life.

If you surround yourself with people who inspire you and lift you higher it will bring out the best in you.

Integrate positive affirmations into your daily routines

Affirmations may sound like a new-age farce, but the most successful people in the world attest to the power of affirmation.

There’s also scientific evidence as mentioned in the start of this article. Every time you introduce something new to the brain, new neural pathways are formed and are strengthened with repetition.

Positive affirmations allow you to replace old thoughts with new, helpful and progressive ones. By speaking positive words to yourself, you are causing the brain to restructure and to project a new outward reality.

Whatever you affirm, repeatedly over a period will become your outlook and your reality. As Louise Haye says:

An affirmation opens the door. It’s a beginning point on the path to change.

Change Your Words

By working on your inner and outer voice you can radically change your life. Pay close attention to your narrative and remove disempowering chatter. Encourage your positive voice. Look at who is currently surrounding you and, where possible, distance yourself to remove any negative influence they may have. Create affirmations and through repetition see how old thoughts are replaced with new life enhancing ones that get you closer to where you want to be.