The Poison of Negativity: Words Matter More Than You Think!

Where Seldom is Heard…

How many of you are familiar with the words of the unofficial song of the American west, “Home on the Range?” According to the lyrics, one of the best qualities of living in the peaceful and wide-open plains was “…where seldom is heard a discouraging word…”

Have you ever found yourself saying anything discouraging–not only to others, but to yourself? Do you downplay your hard-earned accomplishments to luck or find multiple flaws?

For instance: your child brings home an excellent report card, and all you can manage to say is, “Keep it up,” as if the achievement isn’t enough.  Such statements carry what’s called “conditional approval,” and demand future accomplishment as well. Another example:  at work, you’ve been hammering away on a project, and once it’s completed, you hear praise from colleagues. Inside your mind, however, you’re tearing the results apart because you demand perfection in yourself?

One of the keys to harmony, in the workplace or at home or with yourself, is for everyone to feel good about themselves and about their accomplishments. The next time you have the opportunity to make a comment, take a moment and carefully consider what you’re saying, and how you’re saying it. When you do something well, compliment yourself on a job well done instead of nitpicking the flaws. Squash any negativity right then and there.

It’s an attitude that’s easy to change once you’re aware of it and its effect on those around you. The power of discouraging words can make an even stronger impression than that of positive affirmation, so be careful how you wield that power!