I noticed Awaken The Giant Within on the Ginza Hub coworking space bookshelf and grabbed it. I’d listened to Tony Robbins on podcasts and loved his work, but had never read one of his books. Even though he wrote it back in 1991, it’s well worth reading today.
This is a chunky book with tons of practical exercises and inspiring stories to help us be the best version of ourselves.
Let me just focus on one topic that I loved: Transformational Vocabulary.
Tony Robbins says, “Simply by changing your habitual vocabulary – the words you consistently use to describe the emotions of your life – you can instantaneously change how you think, how you feel, and how you live.”
How often do you say to yourself and others, “I’m swamped,” “I’m so stressed,” “I have so much to do” and other phrases that make you feel bad? What do you think is the impact on you when you habitually use those kinds of words?
I remember one month when I kept saying to myself “This is going to be a really difficult month. I’m just so busy.” Not only did I feel bad, but it turned out to be an unpleasantly busy and difficult month.
Tony Robbins suggests this exercise to change how you feel and act. Write down three words or phrases that you use regularly that make you feel bad. Then think of new ones that you could use to make you feel different – or even make you laugh.
Here are some examples from the book:
- I’m feeling depressed –> I’m feeling calm before action
- That stinks –> That’s a little aromatic
- I’m lazy –> I’m storing energy
- I’m overloaded –> I’m stretching
- I’m overwhelmed –> I’m in demand/I have many opportunities
- I’m scared –> I’m excited
- I’m stupid –> I’m learning
We used this exercise as a challenge in the Sasuga! Community (want to join us in this free Facebook group?). Here are some rephrases that people came up with:
- I’m stuck –> I’m ready
- I have to do x –> I get to do x
- I’m exhausted –> I’m a little bit tired
Why not give this a go right now? It’s quick and easy. Do it with a friend or colleague if accountability helps. And of course, this isn’t limited to English. You can do it in Japanese too.
Choose your words and transform yourself!