the POWER OF WORDS BY JOSEPH P. LEVERICH
Joseph P. Leverich, CPA, is managing partner and President of The Leverich Group, a Salt Lake City-based CPA and management consulting firm specializing in solutions and services to businesses and individuals. He also contributes to the business journal, The Salt Lake Enterprise. After attending Leadership Breakthrough One, Joe submitted the following article for publication.
How many times have you decided to do something, only to find yourself not fully committed? It seems easy to take on new business projects like expanding operations, planning budgets, creating a business plan, or on a personal level, deciding to get in shape. You are excited about your new direction, and know – this time – that you will accomplish what you set out to do and will reach the next level.
What you do not realize is that you set yourself up for failure at the start. Your ideas and desires are logical. You say to yourself, “This change makes sense. It will help my business significantly.” But to assure you are not embarrassed if everything does not turn out as expected you insert weak, wimpy words such as “try.”
“Try” is not only a weak, wimpy word but it is also timid and cowardly. There are other words in this category: may, probably, possibly, consider, attempt. All of these words unconsciously salt your positive statements. For example, “I will try taking on this new initiative to improve my business.” By inserting “try” you have allowed yourself an excuse or reason not to commit.
Commitment is a pledge to do, a promise, contract, steadfast purpose binding you to a course of action. When you “commit” to a project the term usage may sound subtle but it is: “I will TRY” vs. “I COMMIT TO . . .” – no limiting, wimpy words allowing an option of failure.
Here is a list of actions to help you commit to your intentions turning them into reality:
Drop the word “try” from your vocabulary. “Try” is a verbal escape clause that communicates a lack of commitment. Weak, wimpy words gained a foothold into your personal vocabulary before you even knew you were using them. The simple use of more confident sentences will add importance to what you do.
Write out your idea. It doesn’t have to be pages, but writing a succinct statement with key words helps you focus on the goal.
Follow A Plan. There are two adages about planning and launching a new project: “Failure to plan is a plan for failure” and “Each hour spent planning will save at least two hours of wasted effort.” Powerful words!
Take Action. Procrastination is the killer of great thoughts and dreams. Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Now is the time to commit to your journey of accomplishing your dreams.
Do one task of the plan at a time. Any change or new project takes concentration, thought and determination. Follow through on tasks and duties to complete the plan one piece at a time.
Get buy in. You are changing processes. It is important that everyone who touches the outcome has the opportunity to contribute to the new and improved process.
Measure your success. It is well known that you cannot manage that which you do not measure. Every new plan or initiative has milestones to accomplish before you achieve the final results. Remember, those things that are measured get done.
Implement the plan. A new project, line of business or budget will require implementation. Implementation means change and change is not always easy. Get buy-in from everyone to fully support the project. Be up for the challenge!
Celebrate You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. Have fun and relish in the success of performing to a high standard.
How do you overcome the use of wimpy words or thoughts? You must first catch yourself saying them or even thinking them. How many times have you said to yourself, “I need to get in shape,” and before you know it you have subjected this great idea to weak, wimpy words of self doubt – “It can wait till the weekend,” or “I will start next Monday.” You will have dreams but no accomplishments!
When you “try” to accomplish something you often fail because the project was bigger than you thought, or it was going to take a lot more effort and the company or market was not ready for the opportunity. Using weak, wimpy words squashes your good intentions so you can say “I didn’t fail.” You may remember Star Wars Jedi Master Yoda saying “Do or do not . . . there is no try.” Personally, I like Henry Ford’s quote, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right!
Michele Toomey wrote about the power of language: “Words can inform our mind, caress and comfort our feelings, excite and thrill our spirit, or warm and kindle the flame of our hearts. They can also slap our face, punch us in the stomach, rattle our nerves, kill our desire or destroy our self-confidence.”
Words are powerful. Remove the weak, wimpy words in your vocabulary and focus on the power of positive words. Share the power. You will be successful and committed to your goals!
Please share your story by emailing us at closingcircle@rapportleadership.com
