{"id":8946,"date":"2020-12-28T09:03:13","date_gmt":"2020-12-28T09:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coachcert.com\/coachingblog\/?p=8946"},"modified":"2024-11-19T19:17:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T19:17:43","slug":"the-power-of-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coachcert.com\/coachingblog\/the-power-of-words\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Words"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Dr. Phildra J. Swagger \"Dr.<\/a><\/p>\n

When you know better, you do better.<\/p>\n

You may recall the childhood rhyme, \u201cSticks and stones may break bones, but words will never hurt.\u201d This seemingly simple adage was passed on by our parents as a way of protecting us from bullies and people who said unkind things to us. \u00a0Through hindsight, I have learned that this rhyme is neither true nor a protective measure.\u00a0 Even when good people who do not understand the power of words have good intentions, words can have adverse or unintended negative results.\u00a0 Accepting the concept, \u201cwords will never hurt\u201d creates a mindset that allows harmful subliminal messages to go unchecked far too long.\u00a0 It may rob an individual of their voice and lead one to become submissive to unkind people or situations that potentially prevent them from becoming their full happy and healthy selves.\u00a0 This unawareness can be true for both the coach and the client.\u00a0 Using the power of words to create positivity must be practiced by both and it starts with the coach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Words directly impact our thoughts, how we perceive people and situations as well as influence our behavior. \u00a0In the coaching arrangement, using powerful words can be achieved in two key steps. \u00a0First, co-create with the client regarding what they want to achieve.\u00a0 That means co-create forward-focused goals that speak life and positivity into their plan.\u00a0Second, empower the client by asking and fully exploring how they want to think and feel.\u00a0 As the coach<\/a>, do not be afraid to challenge the client to state what they want rather than what they do not want.\u00a0 This technique can encourage an incredibly positive powerful effect on the mind.\u00a0 For example, consider what to ask if you are coaching a client who states their goal is weight loss.\u00a0 Instead of saying they \u201cwould like to lose 50 lbs.,\u201d positive forward-focused language restates the goal as \u201cI will weigh X lbs. and\/or wear a size Y by Z date.\u201d\u00a0 Now the client has a goal and something positive to look forward to instead of the dreaded drag of losing 50 lbs. The same approach can be applied as they operationalize their goal. \u00a0As a case in point, consider these replacement phrases:<\/p>\n