Three Words to Change the World
by Lee J. Colan, Ph.D.
Some people literally change the world; people like Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Abraham Lincoln, Ben Franklin.
Although it’s an ambitious goal to change the world, we often underestimate our singular power to change the world of those around us. We don’t have to be Oprah giving away new cars to positively change someone’s world. We each have that same power. We don’t even have to do anything! We only have to say three simple words.
Try one of these three-word, power-packed statements to change someone’s world:
I love you.
I thank you.
You are terrific.
I am sorry.
I trust you.
I promise you. (and keep it!)
God bless you.
I can help.
I understand you.
You are talented.
I believe you.
You will succeed.
You inspire me.
It’s no problem.
I forgive you.
You’re the best!
Whether we have a long conversation with a friend or simply place an order at a restaurant, every word makes a difference. The results of our interactions are rarely neutral; they are almost always positive or negative. Ask yourself, "Do my words reflect my commitment to helping others, creating win-wins, continuously learning, embracing change, supporting my team's success?"
Words are the seeds of commitment. We plant the seeds with each movement of our lips. Once they are spoken, our words either grow in the form of an immediate response or they take time to germinate. Whether the result becomes apparent sooner or later, we cannot speak words of failure and defeat and expect a life of success and victory.
Plant the seeds of success in someone’s mind and heart today. You’ll start a positive ripple effect that can be felt by many people and many miles away, not to mention the positive effect you will feel inside.
Do not do a thing! Just say three simple words.
I will close with a three-word challenge: JUST SAY IT!
