The Law of Attraction is very popular today as a tool to bring about positive change in one's life. It causes you to slow down and really listen to the desires of your heart so you can make conscious choices.

I have a fictional corollary: The Law of Assumptions.  What beliefs do we assume to be true without testing them.? Where did those assumptions come from? Are they still valid? And, to quote Dr. Phil, "How's that working for you?"

For more years than I'd like to admit, I've made assumptions (that were wrong) based upon what I thought was incontrovertible evidence or what other people convinced me was true. If you want to feel empowered, start questioning the assumptions that are interwoven in your thinking process and that may now be used to "pigeon hole" people, companies, countries and possibilities.

Because of the lessons I've learned the hard way, I'm now asking questions more often before I act. I'm also learning not only do I need to watch my assumptions, but I also need to watch my words…and I don't mean just the four-letter kind. This is still a daily challenge and it keeps me from living my life on "auto-pilot."

I've observed that by changing the way I express things, I can actually improve my performance and effectiveness and I'm sure the same principle holds true for you. Studies have found that people who express themselves optimistically perform at a higher level than pessimists.  Optimists look at a situation and see benefits, opportunities and learning experiences. Pessimists look at the same situation and see only the risks, the problems and the negative consequences.

I've learned that the language I use to express my thoughts, whether talking to myself or to others, can strongly influence the way I look at the world. So it is critically important to me to be aware of, and to actively control, the language I use. This new skill takes a lot of practice on my part and requires that I slow down and think before I speak. This is something that doesn't come easy to a fast thinker and even faster talker like me.

As I'm now paying more attention to language (mine and everybody else's), I've noticed that most people talk, in everyday life, in negative terms. It’s so common that few people even realize they’re doing it. “How’s it going?” someone asks. “Not bad,” is the reply. “What are you doing?” “Not much.”

For a change, I might say something like thisersonName w:st="on">:ersonName> “How’s it going?”  “Great!” “What are you doing?” “I’m enjoying life.” A positive reply makes me feel so much better. It seems silly and insignificant, yet when you make it a habit it will quickly change your outlook. Say “I’m enjoying life” five times. How do you feel?

Have you ever noticed the language most people use when they seek to persuade you to do something? “Why don’t we go to the movies tonight?” Stated in the negative, this literally makes you start thinking of reasons why NOT to go to the movies. Listen to how much better this soundsersonName w:st="on">:ersonName> “Let’s go to the movies tonight.”

A few other examplesersonName w:st="on">:ersonName>

“If you decide to do business with us, your order won’t be delayed.”

“When you decide to do business with us, we’ll ship immediately.”

In this case, “If” presumes that they might NOT do business. “When” presumes that they will.

“I understand what you’re saying, but I won’t let you down.”

“I understand what you’re saying, and I can handle that.”

Look at the huge difference in confidence and credibility your can create, just by changing a few words.

Words are powerful. If you watch your assumptions and make the effort to express yourself using positive language, you’ll experience the benefits in all areas of your life.