What Propels You?
Hey there, have you ever noticed how there are times when you're absolutely gung-ho about your dreams? It's like a sunny day in your mind, and you're charging forward, full of excitement, heading towards your goals.
But then, there are those moments when you're more like a careful driver, gingerly steering clear of potholes and obstacles, just trying to avoid trouble rather than zooming toward something specific.
Now, we're not one way or the other all the time, but we do tend to lean more toward either the "let's go for it" or the "let's steer clear of problems" side of things.
So, what's your style?
Are you more of a "go-getter"/“go towards” person?
Are you more of an "avoider"/”move away from” kind of person?
My "Go-Towards" Story in Language Patterns
When I decided to go back to school as a “mature” student, I had my eyes set on a mental health counseling degree. I had children to support, a marriage to leave, and I wanted to do it all as quickly as possible. My strategy? Full-on "go-getter" mode. I spent most of my time in front of my assignments, working feverishly to get them done. During vacations with the kids, I was all about studying. I took my computer to the town pool, and even took it to Busch Gardens! I had that "go get it" mentality, and I was determined to make it happen. And I did! I earned my degrees, got a divorce, and started a new life in which I’m very happy.
An "Avoider" Couple in Language Patterns
Let’s look at this a different way. Think of a couple in a relationship. They navigate their life journey together without a clear sense of what they want to achieve as a couple or what their shared goals are. They rarely engage in meaningful conversations about their future, and when challenges arise, they tend to avoid addressing them directly. Their interactions lack intention, and they often find themselves reacting to circumstances rather than proactively shaping their shared path. In many ways, they represent the "avoider" dynamic in a relationship, where they steer clear of confronting issues or setting mutual aspirations.
The "Go Towards" Language Patterns
If you're all about that "go-getter" energy, you're the one who's buzzing with excitement for your dreams. You're thinking about the good stuff, like excelling in your job, maybe even launching your own business, or mastering a new skill. You've got a clear picture of what you want. You're charging ahead, ready to make things happen.
The "Away From" Language Patterns
On the flip side, if you lean more towards the "avoider" camp, you're on the lookout for potential problems. You've got your radar tuned to spot pitfalls, avoid trouble, and keep crises at bay.
Balancing Act in Language Patterns
Here’s the thing, both approaches have their merits, and we need both types in this world.
Big organizations want people who can take charge and get things done, but they also need those who can spot trouble from a mile away. They're after the positive, action-oriented folks who know what they want and how to get there.
But sometimes, those action-oriented folks might not see the potential pitfalls until it's too late. So organizations also value those cautious souls who can spot obstacles, steer clear of messes, and keep everything on track.
But here's the catch: You might not want the "avoiders" to be leading your projects. They tend to take their sweet time. And decisions? Well, those often get postponed until the very last minute. But when that deadline looms, they kick into high gear, all motivated to avoid the looming disaster.
The Power of Focus in Language Patterns
Here’s the bottom line: What you focus on often becomes your reality. If you set your sights on your dreams, make a plan, and put in the effort, you're likely to have a happier, more successful journey.
On the other hand, if you're always worried about what might go wrong, you might end up feeling anxious, suspicious, and unsatisfied with where you're at.
Life’s Compass
In our life journey, language patterns act as our compass. They balance two types of motivation – the "go get"/“move towards” and the "avoid trouble"/”move away from” mindsets. By embracing both, you'll discover your unique path, driven by your goals while effectively navigating any challenges that come your way.
Identifying Your Default Language Patterns
As you go through the next few days, pay attention to the language you use.
Are you thinking or speaking in avoidance language or more of a go-getter language?
Are you feeling inner body sensations of moving towards something or feeling the need to move away from it?
Are you seeing yourself in your mind’s eye achieving your goals or looking for ways to get away from something?
How would you like to be communicating?
➡️ Towards Goals ➡️
⬅️ Away From Problems ⬅️
The way you communicate comes from patterns you’ve learned throughout your life.
If you no longer want to communicate the way you currently are, let’s talk about what you want for yourself and bring it to life in your language!
