Words are a powerful entity. They give you the ability to change the world, but they also have the power to completely destroy you. Worst of all, they sometimes slip out, going unnoticed by the person speaking but recognized by everyone else around them. Bad habits of speech come in all forms, and it’s important to recognize when you’ve gotten into the habit of negative talk in any way.
Unfortunately, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it and how it’s perceived that give your words negative meaning. Discussing an event that has to do with someone who isn’t present, no matter how innocuous, can come off as gossip, and will almost always come back to bite you.
You’ll also come off as judgmental when discussing a person who isn’t present to defend themselves. Make it a habit to spread good information and notions about people when they’re not around, so your words can’t possibly be twisted by others.
You should also avoid complaining or making excuses, and take accountability for your actions. When you place blame on others for your shortcomings, you detract from your integrity and make yourself appear untrustworthy.
Even when you mess up, being truthful to yourself and others is the only way you’ll be able to grow, and the only way others will commend you for such growth.
Featured photo credit: Flickr via farm6.staticflickr.com
