How One Word Can Change An Entire Day

Yes, you read that right. One word. 

One word can change your entire day. It can shift your perspective, emotional state, or interaction with others through the power of language and intention.

Every day it seems the news is filled with the same headlines: threats, anger, fear, war, uncertainty, instability. This constant stream can settle into people's hearts. 

I had a remarkable exchange the other day. Doing errands, I stopped by one of my usual shops. I saw Cal. I trotted out my usual greeting, "Cal, how's the day going?" His one word response, "Exceptional." 

Exceptional? I wasn't expecting that. 

I don't usually quote Groucho Marx, but when I do, "Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow hasn't arrived. I have just one day. Today. And I am going to be happy in it." 

Stated differently: In the measurement world, you set a goal and strive for it. In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.

Which brings us back to the one word: choose.

It turns out happiness, like many things, is often a choice. When I get up in the morning I expect good things to happen to me. I'm never surprised when they don't. I expect the best, and prepare for the worst. I decided when I got up to be happy regardless. A choice. 

I'm not saying it's easy. It is not easy.

Remember neuroplasticity: brains eventually get good at what they repeatedly do. 

This brings us back to Cal: "Exceptional". That landed in my brain and heart.

My next stop was the computer shop. I try to incorporate knowledge into behaviour. So, I asked the tech guy, "How's the day going so far." Response, "It's going." Reciprocity is real. So, he asks, "How's your day?" Me, "Stellar!" He looked startled, "Stellar? Stellar. If you don't mind, I'm going to steal your vibe. I want a stellar day too." And we laughed. 

Small thing. Big difference. 

Words don't just change the brain. They shift your personal perspective. Words can can transform a feeling of indifference or negativity into a sense of empowerment and control. This linguistic shift allows you to view your day positively, even if this differs from current reality. Over time this can foster optimism and hope. 

Zig Ziglar wisely noted, "We aren't born winners. We aren't born losers. We're born choosers."

Words have the power to heal, motivate, and create a better world. By being mindful of words, we can brighten our own day, and that of others. 

Thanks for reading. You are a genius!

This article was first published in Terry Small's Brain Bulletin newsletter.