Written by: Brad Bizjack, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you want to create a massive impact in your life but don't know where to start or feel daunted by the task? Reframing is the answer. Reframing is a cognitive exercise anyone can employ to target negative thought patterns and reassess and replace them with more neutral, balanced, or positive thoughts. Such reframing doesn't merely interrupt and change our thoughts, it alters the meaning we give the experience behind them and our emotional tie to it. Pretty neat, huh?
This small exercise packs a mighty punch because the words we use, both internally and externally, have considerable power over us. They affect our emotions and motivation and play a heavy hand in our potential. Why? Because we embody our words. If negative thoughts are buzzing around your head, you're most likely experiencing frustration, sadness, or anger. Your fists clench at your sides. You become overheated. To break from the pattern takes more effort than to stay in it.
If in reflection, you discover your vocabulary – both internal and external – weighs more heavily to the negative side, I come bearing gifts: new words! Not just any new words but sets of words meant to transform your daily emotional vocabulary over time. Apply them and you'll discover those feelings of frustration, sadness, and anger softened and far more manageable. In this state, you can then tackle the source of your troubles with more energy, a clearer head, and a new perspective.
Below you'll find three stages of transformative vocabulary: Habitual Negative Vocabulary, Moderate Transitional Vocabulary, and Goal Vocabulary. These transformative words are meant to be an example you can build upon to fit your unique situation. Use them to adjust your word usage and add to the list of words as you see fit!
| ANGER |
Habitual Negative Vocabulary | Livid, Angry, Furious, Seething |
Moderate Transitional Vocabulary | Exasperated, Crabby, Aggravated, Irritated, Annoyed, Frustrated |
Goal Vocabulary | Irked, Upset, Disappointed, Disenchanted, Nettled |
| |
| FEAR |
Habitual Negative Vocabulary | Horrified, Shocked, Terrified, Desperate, Appalled |
Moderate Transitional Vocabulary | Uneasy, Nervous, Scared, Troubled |
Goal Vocabulary | Cautious, Worried, Goose-bumpy |
| |
| HURT |
Habitual Negative Vocabulary | Ruined, Devastated, Crushed, Humiliated |
Moderate Transitional Vocabulary | Wounded, Miffed, Confused |
Goal Vocabulary | Unpleasant, Neglected, Uncomfortable |
| |
| INADEQUATE |
Habitual Negative Vocabulary | Broken, Beaten, Empty, Hopeless, Fed Up |
Moderate Transitional Vocabulary | Demoralized, Blue, Discouraged |
Goal Vocabulary | Challenged, Perfectly Imperfect |
| |
| BONUS: HAPPY |
Primary Vocabulary | Good, Fine, Okay |
Transitional Vocabulary | Pleased, Satisfied, Light-hearted, Happy |
Goal Vocabulary | Thrilled, Energetic, Delighted, Ecstatic, Riding High |
With these new words, I hope you find a new perspective to view your circumstances. Because sometimes, one small shift is all it takes for you to experience change that could impact your life forever.
Interested in other ways of bettering yourself? Take my free quiz, What's Your Unique Success Archetype. In 60-seconds, you'll be one step closer to gaining instant clarity on your success mindset and how to expand to the next level!
Brad Bizjack, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Brad Bizjack is a personal development expert, mindset strategist, coach, inspirational speaker, and podcast host with over 9 years of coaching experience. He's coached over 10,000 people in the area of personal development and human potential. His mission is to help people maximize their life, master their mindsets, and elevate their relationships and career to the next level and beyond! Brad is happily married to his beautiful wife, Janiece. They reside in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and have a little girl named Lillian and a dog named Oliver.
