Actions are crucial, but the words we use to ourselves and others are the foundation. They are the unseen architects of our reality. They shape every thought, influence every emotion, and ultimately dictate the success (or failure) of every action we take. A small shift in language can mean the difference between a crippling setback and a powerful comeback.
The Lincoln Principle: Reframing Failure
Consider the relentless resilience of Abraham Lincoln. His life wasn’t a straight path to the presidency; it was a brutal series of defeats: business failures, electoral losses, and profound personal tragedies. He was defeated for the state legislature, failed in business, lost the nomination for Congress, and suffered a debilitating nervous breakdown. Yet, he persevered.
He didn’t succeed in spite of his setbacks; he succeeded because of what he learned from them.
We can capture his unbreakable mindset with a simple, powerful mantra for adversity:
“Because of this, something good will happen.”
This phrase doesn’t deny the pain of a loss or failure—it simply reframes it. It forces us to hunt for the learning, the new path, or the unexpected opportunity that only appears after a door slams shut. Every challenge, reframed this way, becomes a non-negotiable step toward growth.
The Six-Word Truth of High Achievement
We’ve been told we can achieve anything we set our minds to. While true, that mantra is often missing a vital caveat. The truth is, you rarely achieve great things alone.
This is the Six-Word Truth of High Achievement:
“You cannot change yourself by yourself.”
Mastery, business growth, overcoming a destructive habit—none of it happens in a vacuum. Discipline demands accountability. Seeking guidance is essential, whether that means hiring a coach, finding a mentor, or joining a committed support group. The discipline required to win is multiplied exponentially when someone is there to hold the line with you.
Conquering the Two Greatest Dream Killers
To sustain success, you must eliminate the two deadliest phrases from your mental vocabulary.
1. The “I Don’t Feel Like It” Trap
The single biggest killer of momentum is the emotion-driven thought: “I don’t feel like it.”
The critical realization is this: Feelings are not prerequisites for action. You don’t have to be motivated to start. You simply have to start.
Stop negotiating with your feelings. Instead of succumbing to the drag of reluctance, choose to act despite it.
Replace the Killer Phrase with a Power Phrase:
| DREAM KILLER | POWER PHRASE |
| “I don’t feel like it.” | “I’ll do it anyway.” |
2. The ANTeater Strategy (Automatic Negative Thought Eater)
The second killer is the Automatic Negative Thought (ANT) – the internal critic that whispers doubt, fear, and scarcity. To conquer these thoughts, you must become an ANTeater.
This isn’t about ignoring negativity; it’s about actively and aggressively challenging it. When you catch an ANT crawling through your mind, stop and ask yourself three questions:
- Is this thought truly helpful for my current goal?
- What is the action I can take right now, regardless of how I feel?
- What is the opposite, most powerful way to reframe this situation?
By consistently challenging negative self-talk, choosing to act anyway, and leveraging the accountability of others, you seize total control of your mindset.
That is how we don’t just win the day—we architect a winning future.
One thought to “The Power of Words: Shaping Our Reality and Overcoming Obstacles”