Ellen Langer

The words we choose to describe our circumstances may have enormous consequences for us. Words prime emotions and behavior. Words that seem basically the same may lead to very different responses. Seeing cancer as in remission versus being cured, for example, has health consequences for us. In a very different domain, describing a difficult situation as a problem instead of a challenge also may be significant. Problems often sap us of energy and lead to fear, and fear distracts us from problem-solving. Challenges, on the other hand, are often invigorating and motivating. They lead us to try and find solutions, and keep our attention on the issue rather than to making negative evaluations of ourselves or others.

It seems to me that when we talk to ourselves we would benefit from choosing our words wisely.

Comment

To describe oneself is an interpretation bourne of circumstance. Others on the outside looking in may not describe you as they do not really know you at all, merely a set of conformities.

Derek McFee · Sep 20, 09:40 AM

I see all experiences as just that – an experience. Since each of us is God in physical form, we are creating experiences much like you would script a movie or a play. Each set of actions on the stage leads to the next. It is all a matter of how you want to write the script and what supporting actors you want to call in to the action.

Toni Petrinovich · Sep 25, 11:18 AM

We form ourselves one conversation after another. As this piece suggests, the words we use in these conversations, especially when they are conversations with ourselves in our ever-present self-talk, have a powerful formative influence. Using words that reflect foundational values (like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control) keeps our focus on positive possibilities.

Brian Fraser · Oct 18, 02:18 PM

Ellen, I saw you present at the Neuroleadership Summit and you said something that resonated and is in-line with your thinking on how we choose our words: “I like when I’m wrong because then I learn something”. Many thanks for sharing this insightful quote.

Jamie Resker · Dec 27, 12:33 PM