Tune in to the Retirement Solutions Roundtable with Thomas Blackwell on Equis' Training Center or wherever you get your podcasts!
Transform Your Life by Changing Your Language
Language is a powerful tool that shapes not only how we perceive the world but also how we respond to it. On this week’s Retirement Solutions Roundtable, we were joined by motivational speaker and author Thomas Blackwell, who explored the idea that the words we use can directly impact our success, happiness, and overall well-being. Blackwell's philosophy, developed through years of personal experience, centers around the belief that when we change our language, we can change our results and, by extension, our lives.
The Power of Inspiration and Action
Blackwell emphasizes the importance of capturing inspiration. Many of us experience fleeting moments of clarity or creativity, but without writing these ideas down and attaching an action plan, they are often lost. He encourages the practice of noting down every inspiration as a way to attract more and to hold ourselves accountable for putting these ideas into action.
Why Do You Do What You Do?
One of the key questions Blackwell asks is, "Why do you show up?" Whether it's in your professional life, personal relationships, or any other aspect, knowing your purpose is critical. Blackwell stresses that working for a cause that you believe in will always motivate you more than working for money or for others. When you align your actions with a deeper purpose, it no longer feels like work.
A Lesson from Boy Scouts
A powerful story from his Boy Scout days demonstrates the value of leaving things better than you found them. His scout leader drilled into him and his peers the importance of making their mark by improving everything around them. This mindset of improvement has stuck with him for over 30 years, forming the basis of his philosophy: Always aim to leave people, places, and situations better than you found them.
The Importance of Language and Mental Toughness
Blackwell explains that champions don't necessarily focus on the score but instead celebrate small victories along the way. He also highlights the importance of mental toughness, which he defines as having control over your emotions. Successful people are those who learn to respond to challenges rather than react to them, allowing them to stay calm, composed, and productive in even the most difficult situations.
E + R = O: The Formula for Success
One of the standout principles in Blackwell’s talk is the formula E + R = O, which stands for Event + Response = Outcome. While we can’t always control the events that happen in our lives, we have full control over how we respond to them. Our responses shape our outcomes, and if we master the art of positive response, we can improve nearly every situation we face.
Break the Chains of Limiting Beliefs
Blackwell also draws an analogy between elephants in circuses and the chains of limiting beliefs we place on ourselves. Elephants, despite their immense strength, are often restrained by a simple chain tied to their leg. Over time, they come to believe that they cannot move beyond the length of the chain, even when it is not anchored to anything. Similarly, we limit ourselves with negative language and beliefs. By changing how we speak and think about our abilities, we can break free from these mental chains.
Final Thoughts
Blackwell’s message is clear: The words we use and the thoughts we entertain are powerful. By changing our language and focusing on positive, action-driven communication, we can transform our results in life. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal growth, small shifts in our language can lead to big changes in our outcomes.
If you're interested in learning more about these transformative principles, Thomas Blackwell offers a variety of resources, including his book The Liberty of Our Language Revealed and weekly inspirational language tips. By adopting these simple but effective techniques, you can begin to change your language, your results, and ultimately, your life.
Tune in to the Retirement Solutions Roundtable with Thomas Blackwell on Equis' Training Center or on Equis' Podcast Network below: