The Power of “I Will”

Words carry meaning. This seems obvious, after all, we use words to communicate, and the way we phrase things and choose what and how we say them can make a big difference. This isn’t just limited to how we communicate with others, but how we talk to ourselves too.

Although there is still a lot of time left in the summer, you may have started to think about the upcoming season. Between school and classes starting, new jobs beginning, and the weather (hopefully) changing and getting cooler, there’s a lot to consider and plan for. You may have started thinking about what goals you want to set for yourselves, whether they be academic, work-based, or personal.

This is where word choice comes in. You might not have a formal method of writing down and keeping your goals – they may be as simple as making a mental list as the countdown to autumn begins. The way we think about things and phrase them in our head can make a big difference, though. Think of it like stretching before going for a run. While the outcome is important and ultimately what you’re trying to achieve, you have to prepare beforehand and guarantee that you’re going to have a good outcome. It shows that you’re committed to the journey and ready for the long run. After all, the process is just as important as the result. 

Saying things like “I will” instead of “I want to” or “I might be able to” sets your mind up to think of your outcome as something that is guaranteed to happen. That way, your goal is set in stone and you’re more prepared to work on it and are likely to be less pessimistic about it not happening. The other phrases sound weaker and make it seem like there’s only a chance of what you want to happen actually coming true, so you may not be as mentally motivated to go through with it.

Incorporating stronger phrases when goal-planning or thinking of things you want to happen for yourself is not just a tactic to use for positive thinking, but is also a motivational tool to make sure you get what you want and deserve.

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What are some goals you have for yourself? Do you write them down or put them anywhere? How do you think the way you word them can change the outcome?