About a year ago I had a moment of clarity. In that moment it became clear how a simple change in word choice could have a huge impact on the quality of my life.

 

I regularly journal — sometimes daily or at least once a week. Every couple months I’ll go back and reread my entries. I try to pick out the most valuable insights or ideas that can be turned into actions.

 

During one journal review I noticed a pattern in the way I described my days. I used the word ‘busy’ often. When I thought more about this word choice, and what it really meant, I realized something and in that moment I decided to never use the word ‘busy’ again.

 

What I realized is simple. Being ‘busy’ isn’t a good thing for me. I don’t like being ‘busy.’ When I feel ‘busy’ I often feel miserable. For me being ‘busy’ means I lack focus, lack priority, or lack purpose in what I’m doing.

 

Words matter. What we say to ourselves drives the meaning we create. And meaning drives action – what we think, say, or do.

 

With a simple change in word choice I was able to change the quality of my daily experience. For me, replacing ‘busy’ with ‘filled’ worked. Rather than a ‘busy’ day I looked at it as a day ‘filled with challenge and opportunity.’

 

The shift was simple, yet powerful. Before I said and felt ‘busy.’ Now I say and feel ‘filled with challenge and opportunity.’ Which version of me is likely to have a more fulfilling day?

 

Is it really that easy? Just say different words and like magic you have the life of your dreams? Of course not! I realize there is far more required. However…

 

Changing the words you use to describe your experience is one of the cheapest and easiest things you can begin doing today, right here and right now, to improve the quality of your life.

 

Change the words you use and watch your attitude change with it. There is a massive difference between me that is ‘busy’ and me that is ‘filled with challenge and opportunity.’

 

Maybe you don’t look at ‘busy’ the same way I do. My point isn’t that ‘busy’ is a bad word, but that there is value in raising your self-awareness of the words you do use. Have you considered what you typically tell yourself and the impact these words have on you and inevitably those around you?

 

One final thought before you go… if you often use ‘busy’ I do think there is also some value in thinking about what you are so ‘busy’ doing. Often ‘busy’ is a sophisticated way we avoid doing the things (the often difficult things) that need to be done. ‘Busy’ becomes essentially filler or a distraction from what we really need to focus on. Make sure you’re not ‘busy’ doing the wrong things.

 

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I want your own ideas, observations, or questions. So leave me a comment!