“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
Rudyard Kipling
Have you ever caught yourself saying something to yourself that you would never say to a friend or family member.
That quiet voice in your head—the one narrating your wins, your failures, your fears—shapes how you lead your life. If you don’t master it, it will master you. The power of words isn’t just about what you say to others. It starts with the words you tell yourself.
The Words You Choose Shape Your Reality
Your inner dialogue isn’t just noise; it’s programming. Whether you realize it or not, the things you tell yourself become the script you live by. The problem? Most of us aren’t even aware of the words we repeat in our own heads.
Would you tell a friend, “You’re not good enough”? Would you tell a colleague, “You’ll never figure this out”? Of course not. But too often, we let those words run unchecked in our own minds. And here’s the hard truth: Our brain believes what we tell it.
I recently read: “What to Say When You Talk to Yourself” by Shad Helmstetter and found it very insightful. In the book, Helmstetter makes it clear: Most self-talk is negative and subconscious. We don’t even realize how often we reinforce doubt, fear, and limitation with our own words. But here’s the good news—self-talk is programmable.When you shift your inner dialogue to be intentional, empowering, and success-driven, you rewire your brain for confidence, resilience, and clarity.
Clarity Begins with Language: Embrace The Power of Words
If you can’t articulate where you’re going, you’ll never get there. Leadership—especially self-leadership—demands clarity, and clarity starts with words.
- Write down your goals.
- Speak them out loud.
- Repeat them until they become your reality.
The act of putting words to your vision forces you to define what you actually want. Great leaders don’t operate in ambiguity. Neither should you.
Words Drive Action (Or Inaction)
Ever said, “I’ll try”? It’s a soft escape hatch for commitment. Contrast that with, “I will.” The words you use set the tone for your behavior. Change your language, and you change your actions.
- “I’ll try to get up early” vs. “I will wake up at 5 AM.”
- “I hope I succeed” vs. “I am doing the work to succeed.”
- “I’m bad at this” vs. “I’m learning how to do this better.”
The power of words is the power to lead—starting with yourself. Speak with intention. Choose words that build, not break.
Your Challenge: Own Your Words, Own Your Future
Pay attention to your self-talk today. Just for one day, listen—really listen—to the words you use when speaking to yourself. If they aren’t words you would say to a friend, change them.
Then take it a step further. Write down one powerful statement about yourself that is true, positive, and forward-moving. Say it out loud. Repeat it. Own it.
Because the words you choose today will shape the leader you become tomorrow.
