Video: The Power of Language + News
Hello. I’m trying something new. Sharing “big ideas” on video — ideas I’ve found helpful, inspiring or empowering. Check it out:
Click here to watch it on YouTube,
One of the many things I admire about my husband is that he is very prone to taking action. He doesn’t stay stranded for long talking in circles about what he wants. He will consider thoughtfully about what he wants, mention it once, and then he’ll go out to do something about it.
Over the last few months, Jeremy has been obsessed with filmmaking using digital SRL cameras. He is a still photographer by profession.
One day, he came home with a proposal to invest some of our money in photo gear, so that he can learn at home, and get better. Knowing how important it is to develop our passions, I agreed.
A week later, two large boxes showed up at our house. That same night, after Ryan went to bed, he excitedly unpacked everything, and set it all up in our kitchen. He dragged me out of my office, and said, “Honey, let’s do a video!”
I didn’t have any time to panic or have the opportunity to reject him, because he had already set up everything and was so eager to do something about the drive he felt inside. I did buy myself some extra time with the excuse that I had to go put on lipstick, and run my hair quickly through the curlers.
I didn’t have time to plan what to say, which is a good thing, because I could then talk spontaneously instead of it sounding like a memorized ridged speech. I just started blabbing about a simple idea that Marie Forleo reminded me of—The power eliminating the word “Can’t” from our vocabulary. The result is in the video above. I hope you like.
Even though I was nervous at the beginning, and still cringing as I watch this now (we’re so critical of ourselves), I’m really glad I did it. I was given an opportunity to face a fear, backed by heavy spousal peer pressure, and I did it. In the end, it wasn’t that bad. And if I could give advice to my younger self from a week ago, I’d say to her, “Girlfriend, self-consciousness is over rated. It’s all in your head. Just relax and be yourself.”
Lately, I’ve been working consciously to do things outside of my comfort zone. For example, I started doing podcast audio messages in the TSN Insider newsletter. The audio recordings gave me more confidence in exploring more things that made me uncomfortable—like video messages.
I guess the message of today is two fold:
1. Just Do It
If you want to do something, just do it. Don’t over plan it. Don’t over think it. If you do, you’ll never get started.
Just dive in and test the waters. Truth is, thinking about the things that scare you take more energy than if you just go out and do it. Just dive in, take that next step and see where you end up.
2. The Power of Language – Can’t vs. Won’t
Notice your language as you describe your daily situations. Did you really mean that you can’t do it when you said “I can’t” or did you actually mean “I won’t”, “I’m not willing to”, “I don’t want to”?
The actual words you use to describe what is happening can either create possibilities for you or will become a roadblock. The choice is up to you. I vote for the option that can create possibilities.
Site News
We have some latest happenings at the happy headquarters of TSN.
1. Work Awesome
Think Simple Now has a new brother. His name is Work Awesome. Earlier this month, I acquired this popular blog in the productivity and work-life balance space from the team at Envato.
The interesting story is that I found it while I was procrastinating on finishing the book project I’m currently working on (you know how we do that? Ie. Browse facebook when we’re under a deadline at work.).
Instead of browsing facebook, I like to browse websites for sale sites. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that the highly reputable Envato had listed two of their web properties in auctions to be sold.
I immediately contacted the CEO of the company with a simple proposal –why I would be the ideal person to take over ownership. I figured that I have nothing to lose by asking and proposing. “What’s the worse that can happen? He says no? Not a big deal. At least I tried.”
To my surprise, he said yes to my proposal, and over the span of the next 5 days, we closed the deal and I was the proud new “mama” for this awesome site.
Lessons from this story? Putting yourself out there, being audacious, and asking for what you want will often pay off in that you end up getting what you want (or better).
Our Chief Spiritual Evangelist, Pooja, will be managing the editorial content on Work Awesome. Periodically, I will share articles on workawesome.com on topics related to productivity, career advancement, business and time-management tips.
How does this change TSN? It doesn’t. TSN will continue to be a place of personal reflection and life inspiration. While Think Simple Now is focused on being happy with our personal life, Work Awesome is focused on being happy at work. I see the two sites as complimentary to each other—touching upon two major areas of our life.
Want to be awesome at work? Subscribe to workawesome.com here (via email), like us on facebook, follow us on twitter, and join the mailing list (for less frequent updates).
2. Personal Sabbatical
As announced on the Insider Newsletter, I am taking the next two weeks off to recharge, to relax, to re-connect with me and to reflect (on what I want to do with my life).
My focus over the next two weeks will be to take care of myself, something I have not done in a long time. I miss connecting with me, and look forward to it.
Until then, this site will be quiet.
However, we have over 150 insightful personal reflective stories on this site. If you are looking for something to read, or some inspiration, or a topic to reflect upon, check out our extensive archive.
Not sure where to start? Here are some hand picked articles:
- The Secret to Self Loving
- 7 Habits of Highly Innovative People
- How to Build Intimacy in Any Relationship
- How to Free Yourself from Guilt
- 8 Keys to Instant Charisma
- Stuff-onomics: Hidden Side of What You Own
- The Mini-Retirement Misconception
- How to Make Profound and Lasting Change
- Dealing with Difficult People
- How to Be Outstanding
More articles…
- How to Organize Mental Clutter
- Design Your Life
- Surrender to Emotional Pain
- How to Get Over a Break Up
- How to Find True Love
- 6 Steps to Eliminate Limiting Beliefs
- The 4 Hour Workday
- Embracing the Unexpected
- We Have a Baby Boy!
- Being Present
More (recent) articles …
Tina,
Do more of these. It is so nice to “see” you here.
Hahaha… I will.
Jeremy just emailed with, “That was the best article ever [because I talk about him like a hero that he is], let’s do a video tonight?”
that is great… btw, your husband did a great job shooting that
Congrats Tina on the new acquisition! You indeed are a proud new mama! Thank you for sharing! You are a true inspiration!
Thérèse Cator
PS: I’m wondering what camera are you using to shoot your video and if you’re also using lenses it looks great! It’s the filmmaker in me. Thank you again Tina! :)
Hi Therese! We’re using the Canon 5d Mark II for body and that particular lens was the 24-70mm 2.8f L.
Thank you!!! :)
Proud indeed.
Tina, my favorite one instead of “i can’t”, which you didn’t mention, is simply “I don’t want to”! It’s liberating being that honest and direct with other people.
I thought you did a great job in the video and the picture quality is crystal clear.
I am going to start doing audio and video presentations as well. I think it’s a good idea to diversify the content media.
Hey Tina!
It is nice to see you…thanks to Jeremy that you did this video!
I think it is well shot. And more than that, it is these simple thoughts that you share that make a big difference to the way we lead our lives on a daily basis. Thanks for the reminder!
Regards,
Taruna Goel
Great video. The quality and professionalism of it sets you apart from other YouTubers. Love the blurred background ;)
As for the video itself, great topic. Can’t is not a word among the successful. I love the quote by Anthony Robbins which states “If you can’t you must. If you must, you can”. That says it all.
Thanks for the inspiration
Anthony
Love the video Tina! My wife stumbled upon your article on “How to quit your job”, sent it to me, and that’s how I found you… I’ve been on this kick lately about teaching others how powerful the words are that we use everyday. I love your flow – keep it up!
This video really spoke to me. Thank you!
Yay Tina it’s awesome to see you on video! :) And as you know I’m a huge Marie Forleo fan, and love this tip. It’s easy to forget that language is both empowering and disempowering depending on how you use it.
You rock, so happy to see you at the helm of WorkAwesome!
Lol! That was a great story! I wasn’t expecting the ending. Well done!
Cool article, I definitely agree. By using the word “won’t” instead of “can’t” you’re empowering yourself and accepting responsibility for your actions. I feel like so many people are eager to offload any potential threat of disapproval so they rely on outside forces to “prevent” them from doing something they don’t want to do. Stepping up and actually admitting but you will and will not due defines you and is authentic which is incredibly powerful.
Hi, Tina,
I found your site recently and I’m so glad I did, as we seem like kindred spirits.
I loved your video on can’t vs. won’t. A few years ago began practicing the same switch with the phrase ‘have to’ vs. ‘get to’.
I don’t have to write a new post for my blog…I get to do something I love!
I don’t have to make dinner…I get to nourish my body with healthy things.
I don’t have to go to this party…I get to spend time with my friends.
The reframing reinforces the many abundant blessings in my Life!
Thank you for your site. Keep up the great work and best of luck with your new site, too.
Connie
My gosh, Tina, you’re so damn cute!!! Do more of these, please :)
Tina you are doing a great job.
Since many years ago i am studying the language of the body, and how they influence the time to communicate with the people. Your video reflects that you have learned much about this topic also. One of the useful things i have learned is that when your left eye is looking at the left side of the person with whom you are communicating, your verbal language is all the more real for the other person, and you feel better with you, therefore you like you) more to that other person. I invite you to try this: talk to a person and directs your attention to the left side of his face, its eyes specifically, and look at how change your posture and yours, and as there is a greater connection.