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Time to go on a diet

by Nanci Sherman

January 19, 2012 - Categories: Blogs,

Time to go on a diet

If you could still eat truffles, would you consider going on a three-word diet? This diet will produce the results you want. Promise! What follows are words that if cleansed from everyday vocabulary will create major changes in every area of your personal and business life.
 
Hope: This word really has fear implicit in its meaning. It can also stand in the way of desired results. For example, the next time your salesperson comes in and says, “We did our best. I hope we get the business,” tell them to give up hope and go back to “Do.” If you are not sure in your bones about something, “get jiggy with it.” Ask them, “Is there something else we can do right now?” If the answer is yes, do it. If the answer is “no,” better to think confidently the business is yours than to hope it is. Try on: “We got this one. I know. It is done.” Confidence brings in a whole different vibe to creating the reality you want.

Next word that should be as extinct as the dodo bird is “Try.” In my mind, when any goal, dream or objective is involved, “try” is for the meek of heart. To “try” is to already make room for failure. Warriors step into the fray no matter what. Many among us would rather forego chances of success than the risk of being disappointed in ourselves, which has us watch life from the sidelines. “Try” is implicit in its lack of commitment, but for those who take the road less traveled, “I will” denotes courage, warrior wisdom and the willingness to break out of the gate at a full-on run. If one fails after one commits, who cares? You had warrior spirit. You may not “look good,” but you are one of the rare birds (not dodo) that lives with courage and conviction and knows that commitment is all that moves mountains. Besides, in day-to-day life, it’s frustrating for the people around you. “Honey, will you pick up dinner tonight?” Response: “I’ll try.” Hmmmph … might go hungry. 

Last diet tip: Let’s take on the word “Pursuit.” Look, I am a huge fan of Tommy Jefferson and the mates who penned the Declaration of Independence. I also understand context, so I capitulate to the term “in pursuit of happiness,” but for the rest of us? Pursuit is for chasing balls on the polo field and nighttime antics in any bar on earth. But to pursue is not to have. Why don’t more mentors tell us the future doesn’t exist but for what is happening in the present? Let’s not “pursue” happiness. Let’s declare happiness now. Let’s not “pursue” winning as something you need to be happy. Look around. You can easily find 20 reasons to be happy. Look at yourself and the faces of the people around you. Be happy for strengths and differences and wherever your journey may have taken you so far. If you can be happy for no reason at all you have already won. If not, “hope” no one finds out!

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