Words are powerful, they enable us to describe our world, how we see it and what we’re looking at, without words we couldn’t have a shared experience. Just think, instead of this word recession we could be calling it a woobleding, or a shizkayump. Would we feel different if we had to read about a wobble in the woobleding each morning, or a shift in the shizkayump? I think we just might

We are lucky in the UK that we have such a rich language, with many layers of description and finesse. But we must be careful because the words we use shape our world…. Literally. We should be careful lest we conform to Lily Tomlin’s view that “man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain!”

So, taking the process right back to the start, it all begins with thinking. We don’t feel then think. We think then allocate sensations to the thought process, which we then call feelings. So if you consistently tell yourself that you’re tired – you’ll start yawning and you’ll feel tired.

So the key is to stand guard on your vocabulary, I got thinking about this after a recent post on the Springfair trading talk blog. The post was about these tough times we’re in, and while I’m no Ostrich, I think there’s a danger in assigning labels. For instance the word tough, implies difficult, aggressive and unfavourable conditions.

I prefer the term “challenging” which implies something altogether more thought provoking and with some positive connotations. The dictionary describes a challenge as:
1. Calling for full use of one’s abilities or resources in a difficult but stimulating effort:
2. Absorbing; intriguing:

I believe that we would feel different about our situation if faced with a challenging time, rather than a tough time. A challenging time is one where you start to really use your head, you get creative. You look for inspiration. You are thrown down a challenge, whilst you merely suffer a tough time ! Tough implies that its bigger than you, harder than you and you’d best cower away, while challenge implies ingenuity, spirit and smart thinking…

You could argue that this is just semantics, and in a way it is, but words really do create our world – I’ll prove it to you….

Next time you’re really really mad about something, don’t have a rant fest, call in the perspective police and when asked what’s up – say “ I’m really really peeved ! ” You see, even the word is funny, it’s impossible to say this word and still be mad, you have to stop and smile.

When someone asks you how you are today, don’t give our usual British dumb answer of “I’m ok” or “I’m good” or “It hasn’t happened yet” or “still here” “hanging in” or any of that dumbness that’s just a waste of good vowels.

Try (for one day) answering “I’m absolutely brilliant! “ “Fabulous” “Wicked, top of the world – marvellous, magic, any variation of this that suits you in particular…. And tell me you don’t feel better…..! Watch your vocabulary it can literally dictate what kind of a day you’re going to have – words create our world – make sure yours is a fun and zingy one

In fact, here’s my challenge to you today, come up with 10 zingy words that make you smile when you say them, and make sure you use them in conversation with customers…. Try it, go on, it’ll be fun !