This headline sounds like hyperbole, right? Can you really change your life by changing your language … i.e., the words you speak? The following article shows how what you say can be a game changer when it comes to the success of your chronic illness health goals. Can one word be all that powerful?

In a word? YES.

Before I dive into that one word – let me share something quick that you need to know right now.

Here’s the basic process of change. These four steps follow each other like dominoes in succession:

• 1) Introduction or exposure to a new idea
• 2) Entertaining the “truth” or value of new idea
• 3) Declaring acceptance of new idea
• 4) Taking ACTION based on that new idea

Here’s how this plays out as an equation.

New Idea + New Thoughts + Declaration = ACTION

It’s important to note that the declaration in item #3 doesn’t have to be based on your full acceptance of the idea or concept. You just have to demonstrate a willingness to try it on for size. Here’s another important note. Actions ALWAYS follow thought. Meaning, when we change what we think, the actions that follow will reflect that change.

Here’s an example.

Years ago, I thought that foods had no effect on my fibromyalgia symptoms. In fact, I’d been told this directly by my doctor (sadly, from many doctors). Oh, how I wanted that to be true! Who wouldn’t want to think they could eat anything and have no adverse effects?

Seriously?

My research, however, told me otherwise. So, I entertained thoughts about changing what I ate. I thought about healthier, whole, REAL foods. I read more. I researched more. I listened more.

Finally, I said, “I have to try changing how I eat. If my belief that it won’t work is true, at least I’ll have proven it as fact.”

Fortunately, I was wrong. And, I proved it.

I changed what I ate

and I changed my life.

I healed most of my fibromyalgia symptoms and went on to learn other key principles, healing even more. The point is that my action (changing what I ate) followed my new thoughts that said, “What if? What if foods can make a difference?”

So … getting back to the power of words.

What ONE word can help you shift into empowered action? Here’s the most helpful tip I can share:  

Remove the word CAN’T

from your dietary vocabulary.

Can’t implies that you’re unwillingly being held back from something. Something that you want.

Have you ever said …

I can’t have wheat/gluten

I can’t have sugar

I can’t eat fast food

I can’t eat processed foods

While the above statements may be what you’re aiming for, you’re missing the mark. The way they’re phrased shows that you’re restricting or controlling your nutritional intake. Restriction never places you in the driver’s seat!

 How ‘bout this instead?

I don’t consume wheat/gluten

I don’t consume sugar

I don’t choose fast foods

I don’t choose processed foods

What’s the diff? One sounds like a plea – the other, a declaration. Check out this simple illustration. Imagine you’ve given up alcohol. Here are two ways to say it. I can’t have alcohol. Or, I’m a non-drinker. 

Can you feel the shift?

One feels like an admission of defeat –

the other a declaration of strength.

Anything that we restrict or try to push away from us will ultimately push back.

So how can changing this one word change your life? The answer to that also happens to be one word: ACTION.

When you think empowered thoughts – empowered action follows.

Try it on for size. What can you restate by removing the word “CAN’T” from your vocabulary?

What empowered actions will you take today?