“Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” William Shakespeare quotes (English Dramatist, Playwright and Poet, 1564-1616)
We’re surrounded by words – and much as we might like to think they don’t, they all have an impact on us. Right now we’re hearing about the economic downturn every day. Its in the news, its the topic of conversation at dinner parties and in the office, and its talked about at home. We’re surrounded by it.
Some of those conversations are energy sapping. They’re the negative, doom and gloom, disaster stories. Those words are without thought. And then there are those who are blindly positive, to the extent that they are either deluded, or just trying too hard to convince themselves. They aren’t believable so their words too are uttered without the benefit of applying any brainpower.
But then there are those who are practically positive. Those who acknowledge that times are tough, and that many people will be facing difficulties – but they also see the benefits of rolling up your sleeves, embracing change and using this situation as an opportunity to do things differently.
So, ask yourself whether your words have been preceded by careful thought recently. And if not, ask yourself what ‘heavenly’ words you could be sharing. I can think of a few:
- Saying thank you to members of the team who are going the extra mile in this tough climate
- Giving encouragement to those who are feeling overwhelmed by extra work, or a threat to their job
- Sharing new ideas for your business with the people who can help you make it happen
- Challenging the negative ideas of those who are feeling despondent about the future.
We’re sure you have some other situations where we should be choosing our words thoughtfully these days. How about sharing some of them?
Article by Vandy Massey
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