Change Your Words, Change Your Story - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

 Change Your Words, Change Your Story—Rewrite the Lies You Tell Yourself

I used to think positive thinking was nonsense. Action was what mattered. Just get moving, and your problems would fade. What I didn’t realize? I was arrogant. Not everyone operates like me. I dismissed the power of mindset, not understanding how deeply language shapes reality.

That’s why this episode of The Ziglar Show (Ep. 446) struck me. Owen Fitzpatrick, a therapist and expert in behavioral psychology, breaks down how the words we use—internally and externally—shape our lives. More importantly, he offers a simple 3-step strategy to rewrite the lies we tell ourselves.

1. Recognize Your Inner Lies

We all think negative thoughts. But people who struggle with self-doubt and depression believe them. Fitzpatrick explains that the inner voice telling you you're not good enough isn’t the truth—it’s just a story your brain is telling to protect you. The first step to breaking free? Realizing it’s a lie.

2. Ask Better Questions

When faced with a challenge, most of us spiral into worry:
"What if I fail?"
"What if people judge me?" 

Fitzpatrick suggests flipping the script. Instead of dwelling on problems, ask:
"What can I do?"
"What’s the solution?"
"What’s the most useful way to think about this?" 

He shares a personal example: Losing his suitcase and suit before a big speaking event. His old reaction? Panic. His new approach? A subtle but powerful shift:

❌ “What am I going to do?” (focus on the problem)
✅ “So, what am I going to do?” (focus on action)

That small tweak in language changes everything.

3. Flip the ‘But’

Your brain naturally follows this sequence:
Positive → Negative
"I want to do well, but what if I fail?"
"I hope people like my speech, but what if they don’t?" 

Fitzpatrick suggests reversing the order:
Negative → Positive
"I might fail, but I’m prepared and capable."
"People might not like it, but I’m giving them my best." 

This simple shift retrains your brain to focus on possibilities, not limitations.

The Power of Rewriting Your Story

Tom Ziglar wraps up the episode with a hard truth: Most people fail at their New Year’s resolutions because they focus on doing instead of being. Losing weight, quitting bad habits, or chasing success starts in the mind. Without rewriting the beliefs that drive behavior, external changes won’t last.

The takeaway? The words you use shape your reality. Change the language, and you change the story you tell yourself. And when you change your story, you change your life.

So, what’s the story you’re telling yourself right now? And is it the truth?