The power of words cannot be overstated. As Rudyard Kipling famously said, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
This week, sponsored by the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, celebrates words and their importance — and it’s a perfect reminder of just how deeply language influences our lives.
We grew up hearing the children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” At some point, we all realized that wasn’t true. Words can hurt. In fact, words can change relationships, alter our demeanor, reshape belief systems, and even influence the success of our businesses and personal goals.
Words affect what we believe, how we interact with others, and the decisions we ultimately make. They can influence us, inspire us, motivate us — or just as easily bring us to tears.
How Words Shape Beliefs and Self-Talk
As we grow up, the words we hear from parents, teachers, coaches, and authority figures help shape our beliefs about ourselves. Over time, these words become an inner dialogue — the self-talk that runs quietly (or loudly) in the background of our lives.
That inner dialogue can be supportive:
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“I am smart enough to figure this out.”
Or it can be deeply discouraging:
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“I always mess things up.”
Negative self-talk can be incredibly sabotaging, especially when we are working toward a goal. The subconscious mind does not question our words — it accepts them as instructions.
For example, if you repeatedly tell yourself, “I gain weight just by looking at a donut,” your subconscious mind becomes a willing participant. It begins behaving as though that statement is true, reinforcing habits and stress responses that support it.
Changing Words to Change Outcomes
When we become aware of the words we use, we gain the ability to change them — and in doing so, change our outcomes.
Instead of:
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“I can’t do this.”
Try:
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“I have the strength to keep going until I reach my goal.”
Think about The Little Engine That Could. The story opens with, “She was a happy little train.” As she climbs the steep hill, she repeats the familiar refrain: “I think I can, I think I can.” And indeed — she does.
That story resonates because it reflects how the power of words shapes belief, effort, and success.
Are Your Words Setting You Up for Success?
Take a moment to notice the words you use — especially when you’re tired, stressed, or discouraged.
Are you replaying old mental tapes filled with reasons you might fail?
Are your words quietly setting you up for disappointment?
Or are they supporting resilience, confidence, and forward motion?
What if you truly began to believe you can?
How might your attitude shift?
What would change in your behavior?
How would your words sound if they were aligned with growth rather than fear?
The power of words isn’t just poetic — it’s practical. When you change your language, you begin changing your experience of life.
