Using Words to Our Advantage.
In life, we often encounter situations that feel like logjams, halting our progress. These can be due to factors both within and beyond our control. Whenever I find myself in the midst of a logjam, I've found great success in managing my thought processes through intentional wording while formulating a plan and strategy. In the past, loggers used dynamite to break up a logjam and restore the flow of the river. Similarly, I use words as my personal dynamite to clear these blockages and get things moving smoothly again. This strategy is something you can easily adopt to tackle any logjams you might be experiencing. All it will take is some simple action on your part.
When I mention logjams, you might think of them as problems. Early in my adult life, I was advised to replace the word "problems" with the word "challenges" due to the negative connotations associated with the former. Challenges, unlike problems, are seen as solvable, encouraging us to find solutions. We are more likely to seek help for challenges than for problems, which often seem insurmountable. Webster’s dictionary defines a problem as something difficult to solve, while defining a challenge as difficult but stimulating, suggesting an adventurous path to a solution. This shift in perspective can transform frustration into inspired action.
Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker, introduced me to the idea of redefining the meaning behind words. He disliked the term "alarm clock" due to its negative implications and suggested calling it an "Opportunity Clock" instead. Alarm is a negative word. Opportunity is a positive word. This simple change inspired me to wake up each day ready to seize opportunities rather than being jolted awake by an alarm. If I were to redefine words in a dictionary, "alarm’s" definition would be "see Opportunity," and "problem’s" definition would be "see Challenge."
I've also experimented with redefining "dilemma." While Webster’s defines it as a predicament with unwelcome choices, I see it as a situation with a solution waiting to be found. This perspective motivates me to seek solutions that have worked for others, turning dilemmas into opportunities for success. Words are powerful when defined in ways that serve our needs.
Breaking down major logjams into smaller, manageable ones can reduce stress and make solutions more attainable. By redefining dilemmas as solvable challenges, the path to success becomes clearer. Would you be willing to try this unique approach of redefining words to suit your personality? By setting your opportunity clock and transforming problems into challenges or dilemmas, you can clear the logjams in your life and create a successful path forward. One additional benefit is that whenever you’re going with the flow of the river on a journey of success, be on the lookout for others that may be right in the middle of their own logjam. With the right words you can help them blast the logs labeled problems apart and have them join you on a positive path forward.
All of what I’ve described really comes down to the words we use with the most important conversation we have every day and that’s the conversation we have with ourselves. The words we use when we’re talking with ourselves can make or break us. Our self-talk words can turn difficult problems into simple challenges or dilemmas, and alarms into opportunities. There should be no one who’s better at cheering for you, encouraging you, and inspiring you than the person you see when you look in a mirror. Always treat that person in the mirror with love, respect, appreciation, kindness, and understanding. Those are all things that you…yes, YOU…truly deserve. Hey…I Believe In YOU! GiddyUp!