Breaking Down ‘busy’ and the Impact of Our Language Choices
Life is hectic. It’s an ongoing juggle of priorities between our careers, kids, relationships and health. We’re meeting deadlines, balancing schedules, running errands, squeezing in workouts, slipping in some sleep and, if lucky, finding a bit of time for ourselves. And I’m not breaking any news here in sharing that, for most of us, life isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Ask someone how they are, and what do you hear? Busy! It’s practically a programmed response. One that, dare I say, even gives us comfort. The challenge is that while saying “busy” may be sickly soothing for ourselves, it can sit uncomfortably with the person you say it to.
Ever heard those words from a co-worker and had that anxiety-ridden thought ringing in your head, Should I be that busy?
The true power of language lies in how it influences others to feel, think, act and do. What if we answered, How are you? with the intent of creating a mood or a feeling or a certain energy? What if we were more mindful of how every language choice shapes the environment we aim to create? What if we were to better recognize how our own words shape, more so than explain, our emotions?
The best communicators understand the importance of shaping and nuancing their messaging to influence both themselves and their audiences. They use language as a tool to empower and inspire individuals, to build and strengthen a sense of community and to influence new behaviors that drive beneficial outcomes.
How mindful are you when choosing your words? How are you assessing the impact of those words? How effectively are your word choices producing the outcomes you desire? How often are you considering those outcomes before verbalizing your thoughts?
If you need help assessing these answers, want to explore your communication effectiveness or would like support shaping your language to craft a communication plan or a change strategy, let’s talk.