How To Embrace The Power of Words And Transform Your Career, Relationships, and Destiny
- Sep 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22
The power of words should never be underestimated. Purposefully chosen language can elevate your career, strengthen relationships, and transform outcomes. But wielded carelessly, words can sabotage opportunities, sever connections, and silence potential.
Are words really more powerful than the sword? In this Inspired by Coaching article, we’ll explore how your choice of words can shape your current reality which could transform your career, your relationships, your success, even your destiny.
What are words for?
Words are how we communicate our needs, wants, and desires. They inspire through poetry, song, and literature. They inform through facts and guide critical decisions in the workplace. Whether you’re motivating your team in Trafford or influencing a client in Cheadle, words are your most valuable tools.
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling
Words unlock meaning in the infinite library of our unconscious mind. In coaching, they act as triggers for reflection and transformation. The right words at the right moment can shift everything—from mindset to behaviour, from stuckness to breakthrough.
But words can also confuse, divide, and manipulate.
Take the word blue.
What did you see? A sky? A car? A dress? A football team?
Someone might picture a serene sea. Another might recall grief. Others still might hear an iconic riff on a Les Paul guitar.
Words trigger subjective meanings based on our individual experiences. This is the subtle power of language that we need to really understand to improve our effectiveness.
Words are like scalpels. In skilled hands, they heal. In careless ones, they wound.
How about FREE? What does this word create in your mind? Are you instantly excited, motivated or suspicious?
Find out how life coaching in Manchester or online could impact your destiny:
The Destructive Power Of Words
Words are keys to our hearts and minds. They carry the power to cast spells, inviting inspiration, imagination, or sentence to suffering.
You can transport someone to a galaxy far away, to a Caribbean sunset on a yacht, or into the firestorm of a Mexican habanero burrito (ouch—heartburn!). You can also break someone’s spirit with a single word:
Rare. Affair. Stroke. Redundancy. Declined. Untreatable. Divorce. Cancer
In your professional life, consider the everyday impact of trigger words. It’s not what you say, it’s how the receiver interprets your words. Be mindful. Every conversation is a spell you cast, either consciously or unconsciously.
Beware The Careless Whispers In The Workplace
It’s astonishing how casually we can inflict harm with words, through sarcasm, banter, or even backhanded comments. I would speculate that most of us have been both victim and offender. At least at one time or another.
Ask yourself:
Where’s the line between humour and harm?
Between teasing and trauma?
When careless whispers in the workplace persist, they can spiral into deeper damage including harassment, abuse, and alienation. And once the damage is done, it may be irreversible.
Think of the “red mist”—when emotions take over and words become weapons. Those moments can damage your reputation, relationships, even end your career.
I grew up in Manchester in the 70s and 80s. Back then, words we now see as deeply offensive were used far too often—and I’m ashamed to admit, I naively joined in. Cruel words like “Joey,” “Spaz,” “Flyd” were casually tossed around without any understanding the deeper pain they could cause.
Have we really changed? Do we parent better? Do we speak with greater intention?
“Sticks and stones may break bones but words should never harm me.” What a lie we have thoughtlessly passed from generation to generation.
Words have cut me down, disoriented me, and left me speechless. But I’ve learned this truth: holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.
Grace those who offend, threaten or condemn you with forgiveness. Choose your own words with dignity and care. You may still get hurt, but you’ll stay aligned with your highest values.
“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” – John E. Southard
Using The Power Of Words For Good
“You should always give 100%, unless you are giving blood! "
We’ve all heard the phrase “Mind your Ps and Qs.” Don Miguel Ruiz, in The Four Agreements, says it perfectly:
Be impeccable with your word.
In your career, your health, and your relationships, be intentional in how you speak. Notice how you express your needs and how your words land.
Did your words uplift or undermine?
Did they inspire or irritate?
Did they create connection or conflict?
We all have an inner critic. And it often shouts the loudest.
Speak to yourself with kindness and conviction. Replace doubt with words that empower. Have a dream that will move you to move people to move mountains.
Play full out with this concept. The rewards are transformational.
Enhance Your Performance With The Power Of Words
“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” — Rumi
Most professional organisations have a purpose, mission and values. Do your words reflect those values?
There are expectations on the way you communicate with others.
The way you speak to colleagues, service users, and even yourself creates an impact. Some visible, some simmering just beneath the surface. Either way, your words can affect workplace culture, performance, and your organisations bottom line.
Some days you need to cool the waters. Other days, you need to ignite a spark. Choose your words and speak with care. One careless phrase might be forgivable, but only if you reflect, own it, and learn from it. Repeatedly careless words will damage your bottom line.
Choose positive thinking to drive your language, and let that language drive your success.
To Your Success!
Tony Healer
Manchester Life Coach and NLP Personal Breakthrough Specialist
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