Eighty percent of most people’s thoughts are negative.
I read this recently and was floored! That’s huge!
If you’ve been around here for any amount of time you know how I feel about words. I am a writer, so I’m a bit of a word nerd anyway. My love affair with words goes deeper than that though. I believe very strongly in the power of words. I tend to be very careful about the things that I say AND the things that I think. What we think about tends to make its way out of our mouths at some point. For that reason, I regularly shut down any negative thoughts I have about myself and others. The same goes for the things I say.
Instead of talking about all of the things I can’t do or all the things I don’t want, I try to focus on the things I do want and the things I can do. It’s a simple thing, really. The simplest things really do make the biggest difference though. If we’re trying to lose weight, simply giving up soda makes a huge difference. So when we’re focused on living our best life, why wouldn’t taking limiting words away have a huge impact?
I was scrolling Facebook a few weeks ago and my buddy BernettaStyle issued a challenge. She and her friends had made a promise to commit for 30 days to get rid of negative words. She then issued the challenge to her FB friends who wanted to join in. Of course, I was all for it.
They say that it takes 21 days to make something a habit. It we give ourselves 30 days we should be well on our way to inviting loads of positivity into our world. I’m down for that! Some of the things I’ve focused on kicking to the curb are “I can’t” and “I don’t want”. Instead of thinking of what I can’t do I’ll focus on what I can do and what I can learn to do. Instead of talking about what I don’t want, I’ll spend my energy working for what I do want – for 30 days!
We all know small changes make a big difference. Let’s make this small change together. You in?
What small changes have made the biggest difference for you?
58 Comments on Up for a Challenge – With Words
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I am DEFINITELY guilty of speaking before I think and I have gotten myself in trouble quite a few times by doing so.
What a great positive message! It’s so easy to be negative and I’ve always wandered why that is. It’s the same amount of words to be positive yet we choose to be negative over and over again. Good luck on the challenge and making a positive impact.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…BLOGGING AT ITS BEST & AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU…
I have this problem and working on this ….Challenge with words. Especially like 21 days to develop a habit give myself 30 days to practice positive thoughts.
PATRICE recently posted…Why keeping secrets can harm you
That’s such a cool challenge. I think it would be pretty tough but definitely beneficial.
Liz Mays recently posted…Zipline Thrillin’ and Lakeside Chillin’ at Sapphire Valley NC
I whole-heartedly believe in the power of positive thinking. It does affect what we say and how we live. This is a great challenge and I’m totally in. Definitely kicking, “I can’t” to the curb!
Marie recently posted…DIY Free-Form Journal
This sounds like such a neat challenge! I love this. I can’t wait to hear your results!
What an awesome challenge! There’s so much negativity in the world, especially online, that I think this is a wonderful way to make a change.
Anne Campbell recently posted…Creating with Paper Goods Projects (Giveaway)
I completely agree that words have so much power! It’s amazing how your attitude can shift just by slightly changing the way you phrase something. That’s even true when you are communicating to other people. Thanks for sharing!
Karin Rambo recently posted…More than Enough: Why Capsule Wardrobes Make you Happy
This is a great idea. I never realized how negative little words and phrases are until I hear them come out of my 2 year olds mouth. This is definitely something I need to do!
Tara recently posted…The Top 5 Things A Good Bible Lesson Should Include
This would be an easy challenge for me if they would also ban negative people in the workplace. I really think that their negativity is like a highly communicable disease.
Annemarie LeBlanc recently posted…Travel Mistakes That Will Bust Your Vacation and Budget
If you teach yourself how to think positively, there would be less complications in life. To be honest, we just spend a lot of time thinking about our problems.
Camesha, I accept the challenge! This is something that has whispered at me time and time again when I think or say something negative- I hurt no one as much as myself when I allow myself to dwell on negativity. I too work in a place where there are a lot of negative people dealing with a lot of stress… but time and time again I have experienced the positive energy that can change a negative crowd, coming from one positive person. Whoosh…can I go 30 days? Of course! See you on the ‘other side’! Thank you so much for the uplifting post!
Margo recently posted…Neglect and Consequences
I have this problem as well. I also have a problem with speaking too quickly and over people. I am aware of it though and try not to. Negativity in general is no good, and I am really trying to be aware of the words I use now in front my son.
The L’s Mum recently posted…When you are not the mum you wanted to be
Great idea, such an amazing challenge i think it was an easy challenge for me
I never thought that I could join in challenge like this. But this is cool and fun.
Nikki recently posted…Show Off Your Funny Dog to Support Canine Companions for Independence®
I love the quote. It’s always best to think before you even try to open your mouth.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…How To Throw The Best EVER Halloween Themed Birthday Party
The world absolutely needs more positivity in it. I’ll absolutely be more sunny for the next little bit!
Such a timely article for me…I have been dealing with one of my teenagers poor attitude lately. She has such a negative outlook on life right now and I have been struggling trying to stay positive around her. Thanks for the great post…I will take this to heart!
Jamie recently posted…Wonderful Pins at Pick Your Pin Link Party #21
I’ve heard of giving yourself 21 days of getting into a new habit, but I had never thought to do it with having a positive attitude. I’m going to give it a try! Thank you for challenging me to better myself! =)
Heather aka HoJo recently posted…Why We Meal Plan {And How You Can Too!}
I don’t think in terms of what I can’t do, I think in terms of how can I get it done.
MsCrookedHalo recently posted…A super social type of day
I am glad to be one of the 20%ers. I find it’s a waste of time and mental energy to say and think in negative terms. There is a lot of noise out there, but when I lay head to pillow, I know that I have not said or done anything to harm anyone else, therefore, I can sleep like a baby!
Antionette Blake recently posted…Domain.ME then #HireME
Wow. It really DOES start with the mind, doesn’t it? Thanks for a great challenge to be more MINDFUL of what I am thinking. 🙂
Kelly Canfield recently posted…Love Wins
What a great challenge. I don’t know if I could totally get rid of negative words. That would be very hard.
Stephanie recently posted…Minecraft Muddy Buddies
well said. If you watch what you think, you wont have to watch what you say. I am glad I am in the 20% and i am loving it! It is indeed a great challenge especially the first days, but it is doable.
I truly believe that in order to live positive lives we have to do more than speak words, we have to think and believe those words. It can be easy to speak them and then let our minds convince ourselves that opposite is true. I like to start my day with prayer and positive declarations. It’s amazing how much smoother my days feel because of this small change.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy recently posted…Monster High: Boo York, Boo York {Giveaway}
I love this idea! One thing that’s really helped me to be more positive is to unfollow a lot of the people who constantly post negative things on social media and be intentional about following people who post positive, uplifting things.
Kristin @ Biblical Wives recently posted…Give up the Right to Be Right
This is great! I have been trying to be better about this lately. I need to work on my nagging. I drive myself crazy so I can only imagine how my family feels. Thanks for putting this challenge out there!
Jen K recently posted…My Playlist
Sounds like a great challenge! Yesterday I caught myself being really negative about something I had to do and being very stressed and agitated about it. Then I remembered to turn it around, and changed my self-talk to the ways that completing this would improve my life, how blessed I was to have the opportunity, etc. It changed my stress level and how I handled the task. It’s all about attitude!
Erika recently posted…Social Media is Great for Business but How Do You Stay Consistent with It?
I wish I could bridle my tongue!! Just yesterday I spoke too much and ended up in trouble with a close friend. It’s then that the negative thoughts pound me. This is a great challenge and maybe I can do better tomorrow!
Interesting statistic. I won’t deny having a negative thought every now and then, but I think most of mine tend to be more positive. Or maybe I’m just not putting myself out there enough. I’ll be paying attention to my thoughts and maybe I’ll need to join in the challenge.
dawn recently posted…Groom Genie Makes Brushing Your Pet Less Stressful
I had to smile when I read this. I’m a reading teacher and one of my bulletin boards says, “Words Have Power. Choose Them Carefully.” I ask my middle schoolers to reflect on that, and they always have interesting (and often wise) things to say. Thanks for the reminder!
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama recently posted…7 Things I Rarely Spend Money On
I admit, thinking positive actually help positive things happen. I used to be a negative nelly but I have made that one little change and I see many differences.
I love the idea of taking the words “I can’t” and “I don’t want” out of my vocabulary! A small change I’ve made that’s made a huge difference in my life is giving up diet drinks. I know this has nothing to do with words, but it’s helped me in so many ways! I can say “I don’t want a diet coke now!!” 😉
Beth~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts recently posted…All About Disney’s Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage | A Disney Mom’s Thoughts
80% are negative. That’s a lot of negative thinking. I find that small changes can make a huge impact. Little tweaks in how we organize our lives, use our time, or in how we think about things are worth the effort when they save us time and hassle.
Angela recently posted…Types of Stay-at-Home Mom
I love this challenge … and after reading this I am going to save this and share it with my family..and challenge them to more of a positive out look in life ..Thank you for sharing
Thank you for this post. I do try to get rid of negative thoughts. And I also have a policy if it’s not going to help anyone I don’t say it- because only positive words can help.
Nelly recently posted…One item wardrobe update
I’m definitely guilty of this! Whenever I get excited about doing something that seems scary (ie. finally starting my own business) I find all the reasons why it won’t work, instead of focusing on how to make it work.
Estrella recently posted…The One When I Totally Fail – Granada Month 2
You are so right, small changes can indeed make a big difference. Wouldn’t it be awesome to only see positive thoughts on social media, especially Facebook!
Shirley Wood recently posted…Blogger Opp 2015 Ornament Exchange Sign Ups
i think one of the little things that i need to work on is changing my thinking. like the starter quote said about the negative thinking, it’s something that i need to change. i don’t think i think negatively but i do think i need to be more productive with my thinking you know?
aaronica (the crunchy mommy) recently posted…To Share or Not To Share–That Is The Question
Great post! I’m definitely guilty of negative thoughts from time to time. I’m totally in for the challenge. I also take the word “try” out of my vocabulary. It makes me commit more to the things I want.
wow…that statistic is so sobering. How in the world can people have such negative thoughts? That is amazing. I think that this is a great challenge! Keep helping people feel more motivated.
Keelie Reason recently posted…Helping Your Husband Feel Attractive
I too believe in the power of words. I routinely work to eliminate negative thoughts AND to put out into the world the blessings and goodness that I want to receive – focusing on that rather than what I don’t want.
Jen recently posted…Photo Friday – Return to Lake Mars
This is a great reminder of the power of positive thinking. Thanks for that. I am currently visiting with my sisters, who I see very rarely and I’m struck by how negative both of them are. I think I might have to share this with them!
I love this post! I couldn’t agree with you more about the power that words have–those we say and those we think.
Gina recently posted…Weekend Away: Momcon 2015
That’s a very interesting statistic, I would have had no idea. It’s easy to talk negatively, and think the same, but it’s an important pattern/habit to break. Thanks for this. 🙂
Helen recently posted…Coming Soon! {November Month of Prayer for Children}
It’s all about perspective, shift your perspective and your mindset will change as well!
Be Gracefully Inspired recently posted…Erasing Hurtful Words
I think my biggest hardship in life is constant negative thinking.
Hi Camesha,
What a great way of looking at it: focus on the positive (what you can say) vs the negative (what you can’t say). Great challenge, I wish you the best during it. And I too, might take up the challenge myself.
Debbie @ Traveling Well For Less recently posted…Free Travel, up to 125,000 American Airlines Miles, and More!
I am very cautious and restrained in my speaking in public and with friends, but at home I am definitely guilty of hearing words come out of my mouth before I know what I am saying. A very interesting challenge.
Michelle recently posted…White Sands National Monument: New Mexico’s White Wonderland
WOW!! That is an awesome quote. Such truth!
Macy recently posted…Blog Binder + Free Printable’s!
This sounds like a great challenge! No negative words can be a difficult task, but I’ve done something like this before when I did The Magic, which is a 28 day gratitude journey. It really does help!
Cole recently posted…The Reason I’ve Been Absent is Named Penelope
I totally agree. Our words are mere reflections of our condition inside and so the cleanse should start inside going out.
Icar recently posted…The Real California Milk and The Great American Milk Drive
Positive self talk makes such a difference when you set your mind to thinking this way! It makes a world of a difference!
Stephanie @ Crayon Marks and Tiger Stripes recently posted…Announcing: Elf on the Shelf Jesus Style Biblical Virtues FREE EBOOK!
Oh, the negative self-talk, it’s a killer of dreams, motivation, determination. I really struggle with it, but your post inspired me to be more mindful of what my thoughts are. The Bible says to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We are to renew our minds and be transformed into His image. Oh, how I want that, not just for my own benefit, but also for the benefit of those around me. I once went on a retreat where the speaker handed our purple rubber bracelets that said, “Gripes be Gone!” Every time we complained during the day, we had to stop and transfer the bracelet from one wrist to another to make us more aware of our thoughts- and words.
Aimee recently posted…5 Strategies to Avoid Unnecessary Spending
This sounds like a great challenge. I usually don’t have too much trouble saying the wrong thing as much as I have trouble thinking the wrong thing.
Melody Maynard recently posted…Confidence
What a great challenge! I’ve recently become more aware of how negative self-talk impacts me. Maybe I should give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanir recently posted…My First DIY Furniture Project
I’m definitely up for this challenge! It is so easy to discourage oneself from an ever growing to-do list when we allow ourselves to think in this negative manner. I’m ready to form a habit of positivity!
Andie recently posted…My Life Between: Life Lessons through Dementia
The biggest small changes that I have made have been reducing sugar intake by slowly eliminating sweetened products than baking with alternatives like date sugar and coconut sugar and stevia. It has made an amazing difference in my life to be rid of sugar and by using small steps it wasn’t that hard.
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