The (Subtle) Power of Language

by Jim Rohn

I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our attitude, which of course can make a major difference in our future, can be as simple as the language we use—the difference in even how you talk to yourself or others… consciously making a decision to quit saying what you don't want and to start saying what you do want. I call that faith—believing in the best, hoping for the best and moving toward the best.

A few examples could be, instead of saying, “What if somebody doesn't respond?” you start saying, “What if they do respond?” Instead of saying, “What if someone says no?” you say, “What if they say yes?” Instead of, “What if they start and quit?” say, “What if they start and stay?” Or instead of asking, “What if it doesn't work out?” you say, “What if it does work out?“ The list goes on and on.

I found that when you start thinking and saying what you really want, your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that direction. And sometimes it can be that simple, just a little twist in vocabulary, that illustrates your attitude and philosophy.

Our language can also affect how others perform and behave around us. Here’s a scenario: A teenager says to a parent, “I need $10.” The parents need to learn to say, “That kind of language doesn't work here. We've got plenty of money, but that's not how you get $10.” That will teach your teenager how to ask, “How can I earn $10?”  

That is the magic of words. There is plenty of money here—there is money for everybody, but you just have to learn the magic words to get it… for everything you could possibly want… if you just learn the philosophy. Because you can't go to the soil and say, “Give me a harvest.” You know the soil smiles and says, “Who is this clown that brings me his need and brings me no seed?” And if you said to the soil, “I've got this seed and if I planted it, would you work while I sleep?” And the soil says, “No problem. Give me the seed. Go to sleep and I'll be working while you're sleeping.”

If you just understand these simple principles, teaching them to someone is sometimes just a matter of language—simple language, but so important. It is easy to stumble through almost a lifetime and not learn some of these simplicities. Then you have to put up with all the lack and all the challenges that don't work out simply from not reading the book, not listening to the tape, not sitting in the class, not studying your language and not being willing to search so you can then find.

But here is the great news. You can start this process anytime. For me it was at age 25. At 25 I'm broke. Six years later I'm a millionaire. Somebody says, “What kind of revolution, what kind of change, what kind of thinking, what kind of magic had to happen? Was it you?” And I say, “No. It can happen for any person, any six years, 36 to 42, 50 to 56. Whatever six years, whatever few years, you can go on an intensive, accelerated personal development curve, learning curve, application curve, and learn the disciplines.”

Now, it might not take the same amount of time, but I'm telling you the same changes and the same rewards in some different fashion are available for those who pay that six year price. And you might find that whether it's in the beginning to help get you started or in the middle to keep you on track, that your language can have a great impact on your attitude, actions and results.