Change Your Words to Change Your Life | Jim Kwik

Summary

Jim Kwik, a brain coach, emphasizes the profound impact of language on our thoughts and life quality. He illustrates how words like 'nice' and 'kind' are often used interchangeably, but carry different connotations. Kwik advocates for mindful language use, suggesting 'harmony' over 'balance' to reduce stress. He encourages monitoring and upgrading one's vocabulary to enhance life experiences, drawing examples from Quincy Jones' perspective on viewing challenges as puzzles rather than problems. The lesson is clear: the words we choose shape our focus, feelings, and ultimately our world.

Takeaways

• 💡 Changing the words we use can change our focus, feelings, and behavior.
• 😀 Words like 'nice' and 'kind' are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Kindness comes from a place of caring and compassion.
• ⚖️ The word 'balance' can create stress because it implies equal weight for everything. Replacing it with 'harmony' helps to relieve that pressure.
• 🔄 Small changes in language, like replacing 'I gotta' with 'I get to', can shift perspectives and foster positivity.
• 🧠 Words shape thoughts, and by becoming more mindful of our language, we can change the way we think and feel.
• 🧩 Problems can be reframed as 'puzzles,' making challenges seem more solvable and less overwhelming.
• 🔎 Monitoring the language we use daily can help direct our focus and emotions.
• 🌍 Language and culture influence how we perceive the world. For example, different languages have more words for certain concepts, changing the way people experience them.
• ✈️ Traveling and experiencing different cultures can broaden perspectives and reduce prejudice.
• 🗣 Expanding your vocabulary can enrich your thoughts and enhance your life.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Jim Quick's session on brain coaching?

The main focus of Jim Quick's session is to discuss how to advance and progress with the quality of thinking by optimizing one's language to enhance possibilities, potential, and power in life.

Why does Jim Quick emphasize the importance of the words we use?

Jim Quick emphasizes the importance of words because they make up our thoughts, which in turn shape our life experiences. Changing the words we use can change our focus and feelings about things.

What is the difference between 'nice' and 'kind' according to Jim Quick?

According to Jim Quick, 'nice' might be used to describe someone who is polite but doesn't necessarily care about you, whereas 'kind' comes from a place of caring or compassion, indicating a genuine effort to enrich someone's life.

Why does Jim Quick find the word 'balance' problematic?

Jim Quick finds the word 'balance' problematic because it implies an equal distribution of time and effort across all aspects of life, which can be stressful. He suggests that 'harmony' might be a better term to describe a more integrated and fluid approach to life.

What alternative word does Jim Quick propose to 'balance' and why?

Jim Quick proposes the word 'harmony' as an alternative to 'balance' because it suggests a more integrated and fluid approach to life, similar to the way different instruments in an orchestra come together to create beautiful music.

How does changing the word 'got to' to 'get to' change the perspective on obligations?

Changing 'got to' to 'get to' shifts the perspective from feeling obligated to doing something to feeling privileged or excited about the opportunity to do it, which can change one's focus, feelings, and behavior.

What does Jim Quick suggest is a powerful way to change our thinking?

Jim Quick suggests that changing the words we use is a powerful way to change our thinking, as words have the power to shape our thoughts and, consequently, our life experiences.

What did Quincy Jones say when asked about his problems?

Quincy Jones stated that he doesn't have problems; instead, he sees them as puzzles, which changes the way he perceives and approaches challenges.

How does Quincy Jones' perspective on 'puzzles' instead of 'problems' impact the way we might view challenges?

Quincy Jones' perspective encourages us to view challenges as puzzles, which can make them feel less daunting and more like interesting and solvable mysteries, thus changing our approach to overcoming them.

What is the significance of exposing oneself to different cultures and languages according to Jim Quick and Quincy Jones?

Exposing oneself to different cultures and languages enriches one's vocabulary and perspective, leading to an enhanced appreciation for various aspects of life, including words, art, music, and food, and ultimately fostering a more open and diverse mindset.

What is the final lesson that Jim Quick wants his audience to take away from his session?

The final lesson is to monitor and be mindful of the language we use, as enhancing our vocabulary can lead to an enhanced life experience. Changing our words can change our life and the world around us.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Optimizing Your Language to Transform Your Life

In this paragraph, Jim Quick introduces the concept that the quality of our lives is deeply connected to the quality of our thoughts, which are formed by the words and language we use. He emphasizes the importance of optimizing our language to unlock our potential and power in life. By changing the words we regularly use, we can shift our focus and alter how we feel. Jim also highlights that not all words are equal, and that sometimes people use words interchangeably, which can dilute their meaning. He provides an example of how words like 'nice' and 'kind' are often used as synonyms, but they carry different connotations, with 'kind' implying a deeper level of care and compassion.

05:02

⚖️ Replacing the Word 'Balance' with 'Harmony'

Jim discusses how the word 'balance' is commonly used in life, especially when people seek to balance various aspects such as work, exercise, and personal life. However, he finds the word 'balance' to be stressful and misleading, as it suggests equal time and attention must be given to all areas. Instead, he proposes using the word 'harmony,' which evokes a more positive and less stressful image, similar to an orchestra where different instruments come together to create a beautiful performance. Jim encourages replacing the word 'balance' with 'harmony' to reduce stress and create a more harmonious life.

Keywords

💡Languaging

Languaging refers to the way individuals use language to express their thoughts and feelings. In the video, it's emphasized that the words we choose to use can significantly impact our focus and emotions. The speaker illustrates this by discussing how changing our language can lead to a change in our perspective and potential, which is central to the video's theme of optimizing our thinking.

💡Optimize

To optimize means to make the best or most effective use of a situation or resource. The video's theme revolves around the idea of optimizing one's language to enhance the quality of thinking, which in turn can optimize one's life experiences and potential, as demonstrated by the speaker's perspective on the power of word choice.

💡Harmony

Harmony is used in the script to contrast with the concept of 'balance.' The speaker suggests that instead of striving for an equal distribution of time and energy across all aspects of life, which can be stressful, one should aim for harmony, likening it to an orchestra where different instruments come together to create beautiful music. This concept is integral to the video's message about changing one's language to change one's life.

💡Balance

Balance traditionally means having equal weight or equilibrium. The speaker argues that the word 'balance' can be a source of stress because it implies the need for equal distribution of time and effort across different life areas. This keyword is used to highlight the stress-inducing nature of certain words and the importance of finding more empowering language.

💡Empowering

Empowering language refers to words or phrases that give a sense of control and positive influence over one's life. The video emphasizes the importance of using empowering words to change one's mindset and life, as demonstrated by the speaker's suggestion to replace 'balance' with 'harmony' and 'gotta' with 'get to.'

💡Mindfulness

Mindfulness, in the context of the video, is the practice of being fully aware of one's thoughts and the words one uses. The speaker encourages the audience to be mindful of their languaging, as it directly affects their focus and emotions, illustrating the concept with examples from the script.

💡Perspective

Perspective refers to a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view. The video discusses how changing one's perspective, such as viewing challenges as puzzles rather than problems, can transform one's experience of life. This keyword is central to the video's theme of changing language to change one's outlook.

💡Problems vs. Puzzles

The speaker contrasts 'problems' with 'puzzles' to illustrate how language can change our perception of challenges. In the script, Quincy Jones' perspective of not having problems but puzzles shifts the connotation from a negative, stressful state to a curious, engaging one, which is a key example of the video's message about the power of language.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary pertains to an individual's range of words known and used. The video suggests that enhancing one's vocabulary can lead to an enhanced life experience, as richer language can provide a richer understanding and appreciation of the world, as exemplified by the speaker's discussion on the benefits of traveling and experiencing different cultures.

💡Curiosity

Curiosity, in the video, is presented as a driving force for personal growth and discovery. The speaker encourages the audience to be curious about how they can build and enrich their language set, which is a key component of the video's lesson on the transformative power of language.

💡Language

Language is the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. The video's central theme is the impact of language on thought and perception, with the speaker providing various examples of how specific words or changes in language can alter one's life experience.

Highlights

Our life is a reflection of our thoughts, and our thoughts are made up of words and language.

Changing the words we use can change the way we focus, feel, and ultimately live.

Not all words are equal; some words are used interchangeably but have different meanings.

The difference between being 'nice' and being 'kind': kindness comes from a place of caring or compassion.

The word 'balance' is loaded with stress; replacing it with 'harmony' creates a different, more positive mindset.

Shifting from 'gotta' to 'get to' can change the way we perceive obligations and responsibilities.

Changing a single word can significantly impact your focus, feelings, and behavior.

Quincy Jones's perspective: He doesn't have 'problems,' only 'puzzles,' which changes how he approaches challenges.

The quality of life is influenced by the quality of the words and language we use with ourselves and others.

In Russia, multiple words for the color blue lead to a richer perception of different shades.

In Hindi, there's a word that means 'sympathetic joy,' which describes finding joy in other people's happiness.

Experiencing different cultures and languages enriches our thinking and perspective, as mentioned by Quincy Jones.

'You have to go to know'—traveling helps broaden your perspective and appreciation for different languages, food, and art.

Monitoring your language and realizing the power of words can lead to a more empowered and enriched life.

Enhancing your vocabulary enhances your life—change your words, and you change your world.

Transcripts

I'm your brain coach Jim quick now we're

talking about how to advance and

progress with our quality of thinking we

know that our life is a reflection of

our thoughts and what are our thoughts

our thoughts are made up of words and

language so in this session I'm going to

share with you my perspective on how to

optimize your languaging to be able to

optimize your possibilities your

potential and your power in life that

just by changing words that we use on a

regular basis changes the way we focus

and changes the way we feel about things

now here's the thing not all words are

equal and when we're talking about

languaging sometimes people use words

interchangeably so the other night I was

out with friends and one person was

commenting on how we were being served

at the restaurant and one of our friends

said that person is really nice and the

other person another person at the table

later on said that person is really kind

yeah really kind person and it's

interesting that those words nice and

kind are used interchangeably so for me

there's a difference between being nice

and being kind the person that's

checking you out at the grocery store

can be nice to you but that doesn't mean

they care about you for me kindness

comes from a place of caring or

compassion that you're making time for

somebody and you're going out of your

way to be able to enrich that person's

life but yet those two words are used

interchangeably let me give you another

example of how words are used

interchangeably this word called balance

I hear this all the time we get it on

social media all the time and Jim how

can I balance my life how can I balance

my work and my exercise and my personal

life and my dating and my family and all

these different things my career and the

word balance for me is very loaded

balance when you look it up in the

dictionary it means to have equal weight

and even using the word balance adds a

certain level of stress to a lot of

people it's like you're walking this

this tightrope and you have to stay

balanced and you can't be on tilt

otherwise you fall right when I'm

thinking about balance I feel stress and

it doesn't mean I want to spend equal

amount of time at work as I do want to

spend equal amount of time in the gym

you know balance would suggest that

everything has to be equal pies right

but for me I'm thinking instead of using

the word balance I use the word harmony

when I'm thinking about Harmony I'm

thinking about maybe an orchestra and

I'm thinking about all the great

instruments and all the great musicians

that are there they don't have all equal

or balanced amount of time but they come

together in incredible Harmony and they

create this art and your life is like an

art and using the word balance could

stress you out in your thinking so I

would suggest upgrading the word balance

and trying the word harmony and see if

that feels differently for you so again

this lesson is all about replacing words

and using the words that are most

empowering for yourself because words

make up our thoughts here's another

example have you ever found yourself

saying oh I gotta pick up the kids today

I gotta work out you're thinking to

yourself these things I gotta go to my

job now that word God is a loaded word

right I gotta do this I'm obligated to

do this I have to do this what if you

change the word God he changed one

little letter you changed that o into an

e what if it wasn't you gotta work out

or you got to go to your job or you've

got to pick up your kids what if

I get to work out

I get to go to my job I get to pick up

my kids today right one little shift

changes the way you feel it changes your

focus it changes your behavior just

monitoring your words so again this

lesson we're thinking about our own

thinking we're becoming conscious of the

words being mindful the words and the

languaging we're using I want you to be

super sensitized not only to the

questions you're asking yourself but to

the actual makeup of the words change

your words you change your life change

your words you change the world here's

another example recently we did an event

we have an annual quick brain conference

and in the audience was Quincy Jones

right this amazing Grammy award-winning

producer I asked him to come on stage

because I wanted him to share we had

this interview in this conversation and

I was like I want to know about your

problems right tell me about your

problems and what you did to overcome

them and he looked right at me on stage

and he said Jim I don't have any

problems I was like well that that's

interesting I was like well back then

what were you what were the problems

that you're dealing with he was like no

Jim I was like even back then I didn't

have any problems so my mind being a you

know a quick thinker I want to go deeper

and I wanted to find out where's where's

this coming from I was like wait a

second I know you've had problems you

must have problems problems we all have

problems if we're alive he was like Jim

I don't have any problems I just have

puzzles

and I was like wow my mind on stage

people could literally see like it blown

because you change that word from

problem to puzzle and it feels different

right for me when I think about my

problems or the challenges I'm going

through once I change that label it

becomes a different kind of comes

unlimited right it goes from having a

problem to a puzzle so you'll find that

the quality of your life a lot of it

comes down to the quality of the words

and the language we use to ourself and

with other people break it down to the

individual words what are the words

you're using on a daily basis that's

directing your focus that's making you

feel a certain way then you have the

agency you have the power to be able to

transform your language your words that

you're using on a day-to-day basis so

the language that we choose to use

changes how we focus changes how we feel

changes how we think so for example in

Russia there are multiple words for the

color blue and when you use this

specific word you experience a different

shade of blue because the words and the

language shape the way you perceive and

the way you think about something

another example in Hindi there's a word

that means Joy sympathetic Joy where you

find joy in other people's Joy you find

happiness in other people's Joy the word

is

what if you had words like that by using

those words in your language you

experience a different phenomenon you

think about the world in a different way

going back to Quincy Jones he was

talking about the power perspective in

our interview and he says this that one

of the best ways to learn and to change

your thinking is to go to different

places and I remember speaking at a

conference and there was somebody

speaking on the same panel and this

person owns a lot of travel agencies and

she was saying that if more people

traveled then there would be less

Prejudice because you would be able to

see things from other people's point of

view different perspectives so going

back to my conversation with Quincy

Jones on stage we were talking about

perspective and he looked at me he's

like Jim you have to go to know you have

to go to know one of the things that

really opens up our minds and our

perspective is going to other places

because when you go according to Quincy

you have a more of appreciation for

words and language and food and music

and art and all these things the art and

the literature and the food these are

all symbols much like the words and so

when you can expose yourself to a more

enriched words you have an enriched

experience you have an enriched thinking

so that's the lesson is to monitor your

language that words have power if you

realized how powerful your mind was you

wouldn't say or think words that you

didn't want to be true so this is part

of your Discovery is having the

Curiosity of how can I build my language

set to be able to enhance your

vocabulary you enhance your vocabulary

you enhance your life change your words

change your life that's the lesson