When you speak are you being mindful? While a picture may be worth 1,000 words, even one word, if used negatively, can have an impact that lasts a lifetime.
Whether you are in the boardroom or talking to yourself, the words you use can impact how you feel about yourself and how others view you.
A classic example in the boardroom is someone who offers an idea, however, prefacing it with negative language.
- “This may not work but, what if we…”
- “Someone probably already thought of this, but could we…”
- “This may be a dumb idea, but…”
The minute we put those negative words, words that demonstrate a lack of confidence, into the room, is the minute the group prepares to dismiss anything else you have to say.
When we are being mindful of our words, we tend to use language that is positive, accepting, interesting and encouraging.
Using Mindful Words
Chuck Weinberg, a clinical social worker and author of A Menu of Mindful Words: Pause and defuse toxic thoughts using these words, has compiled an entire list of words we should begin to use.
List of mindful words:
- Patience
- Success
- Perspective
- Assert
- Compassion
- Together
- Flexible
- Action
- Determination
- Perseverance
Being Mindful with Your Inner Voice
Being mindful when you use words to encourage yourself is also important. Our internal dialogue not only influences our thoughts, but it also impacts how we view our ability to be successful.
Tara Ward, the author of Mindful Journaling, offers this insight into being mindful:
“Choose to speak mindfully for a period of time. This means to really consider every word you say and how you say it. What words do you use a lot? Notice which words nurture and which have less pleasant energy. Which do you use most? What words would you like to use more or less after this experience? Write them all down and consider their impact on you and others around you.”
Robert Jameson offers some information on the cause and effect of being negative with our thoughts in his article Be Careful of Your Thoughts:
“The thoughts and actions we do habitually through time determine our destiny. If I think negative thoughts and if I am filled with judgments towards myself and others, my actions will follow my thoughts and I will get what I focus on. Most people will not want to be around me, because they don’t like being judged and they don’t like hearing me judge others.
However, if I think positive thoughts and take positive actions toward my goals, my destiny can be one of joyful and uplifting, with moments of gleefulness.”
Laura Nigro on Being Mindful for Women in STEM
I had the opportunity to interview Laura J. Nigro (SciEnspire! LLC), a woman who helps high-tech professionals evolve into who they aspire to be — and succeed as leaders, partners, creators and change agents.
Laura began her own career in environmental process regulation and modeling, after earning degrees in physics from Wellesley College and CU-Boulder. Her practice is grounded in evidence from emerging neuroscience and inspired by our shared humanity.
In our interview, Laura speaks directly to women of STEM about the importance of mindfulness, not only for our own perception of the value we bring to the table but also how we are perceived by others. Laura tells us that being mindful is the perfect tool to counteract Impostor Syndrome – a phenomenon many Women in STEM deal with each day; that fear that you will be “found out” and deemed not worthy.
You can view the interview here:
Connect with Others Who are Being Mindful
One way to reinforce the idea of being mindful of your thoughts, your words, and your outlook on life, is to surround yourself with other like-minded people. For years I have met with and talked with professional women in a professional environment; meetings, workshops, individual conversations. Our conversations are enlightening but often are filled with questions we don’t have time to uncover answers to. However, I have discovered, that removing ourselves for a period of time from the work environment allows us the opportunity to dig deeper into our thoughts, goals, concerns, and frustrations. Together we are able to explore our fears and to encourage each other in a positive way.
It is for that very reason that I developed the Together We Seek Retreats to allow professional women the opportunity to immerse themselves in a mindful way, surrounded by others seeking to find that inner light, that positive energy they desire to help them be their very best self.
I invite you to visit our site to learn more about the retreats. Additionally, seek out those who are looking to be more mindful in their language, thoughts, and actions. Surround yourself with those that exude a positive attitude. Become a positive influence on others.
Related Posts
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming more mindful, check out these popular articles:
- How to Deal with the Negative Attitudes that Threaten Your Career
- Searching for Career Clarity and Direction
- How to Manage Career Fears
- You Are the Best Investment
JJ DiGeronimo — the president of Tech Savvy Women — is a speaker, author, and thought leader for women in tech and girls and STEM. Through her work, JJ empowers professional women and consults with senior executives on strategies to retain and attract women in technology to increase thought and leadership diversity within organizations.
Don’t miss our online resources library for eCourses, online discussions, downloads, retreats and tools for professional women. Learn more here.