{"id":20555,"date":"2017-09-04T22:33:40","date_gmt":"2017-09-05T06:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/?p=20555"},"modified":"2017-09-04T22:33:40","modified_gmt":"2017-09-05T06:33:40","slug":"vocabulary-and-the-positive-psychology-of-coaching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/vocabulary-and-the-positive-psychology-of-coaching\/","title":{"rendered":"Vocabulary and the Positive Psychology of Coaching"},"content":{"rendered":"

The positive psychology of coaching<\/strong><\/a> assumes that people are basically happy, healthy, and possess the virtues and strengths needed to grow and thrive. They may lack knowledge, motivation, inspiration, or goals, but they are poised to succeed with the right kick in the butt!<\/p>\n

\"Psychology
Psychology of Coaching – alphaspirit \u00a9 123RF.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Words Matter \u2013 Express Yourself for Success<\/h3>\n

One of the most neglected areas in the positive psychology of coaching is the power of words. Words do matter, and positive psychology coaching should incorporate the power of vocabulary in helping people reach their goals and dreams. Your clients should use words that motivate and empower. They should avoid words that restrain or depress.<\/p>\n

Language is Powerful<\/h3>\n

Language is an extremely powerful tool \u2013 the way you express yourself will affect how your message is received \u2013 whether the message is to someone else of to yourself. If you are speaking about a specific failure, expressing it in the most positive terms possible will make it less dramatic, damaging, and depressing. It may turn a negative into a positive; at the very least, it will turn a negative into a much less negative!<\/p>\n

Using Words That Enhance the Positive Psychology of Coaching<\/h3>\n

Changing vocabulary only slightly can make a huge difference in attitude. It won\u2019t happen overnight, but an effort to modify a client\u2019s use of words can help them find more motivation, inspiration, and perseverance.<\/p>\n

Here are a few examples of ways to modify vocabulary to reflect a positive psychology of coaching<\/strong> framework:<\/p>\n

Use \u201cpossible\u201d instead of \u201cimpossible.\u201d Even if you realize something is impossible, don\u2019t say \u201cimpossible.\u201d Say \u201cnot possible.\u201d There is no way I will ever be able to play center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Even if I had NBA basketball talent, my lack of excessive height would preclude me from playing the center position in the NBA. Always use the positive in speech \u2013 it makes it a habit, even if you need to put a negative such as \u201cnot\u201d in front of it.<\/p>\n

Use \u201cable\u201d instead of \u201cunable\u201d for the same reasons detailed above.<\/p>\n

I am exhausted can be changed to I need to rest or I need to take a break.<\/p>\n

Just changing \u201cnever\u201d and \u201calways\u201d to \u201cseldom\u201d and \u201coften\u201d can make a big difference when leading others or motivating yourself.<\/p>\n

You \u201cshould have\u201d done that can be changed to say you \u201ccould have\u201d done that. Using \u201ccould have\u201d suggests you may make changes the next time you do something \u2013 learning from your mistakes!<\/p>\n

Negative Words Vs. Positive Words<\/h3>\n

The positive psychology of coaches can often be seen in the language they use, and the results your clients get can be enhanced by using positive language.<\/p>\n

Negative words or phrasing tells you or others:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • What you can\u2019t do.<\/li>\n
  • What you don\u2019t want to do.<\/li>\n
  • What you will not do.<\/li>\n
  • How hard something is to do.<\/li>\n
  • How much you blame others or circumstances for what can\u2019t be or wasn\u2019t done.<\/li>\n
  • How much stress something will cause you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Positive words or phrasing tells you or others:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • What you can do.<\/li>\n
    • What you want to do.<\/li>\n
    • What you will do.<\/li>\n
    • How much you will work to get something difficult completed.<\/li>\n
    • How you take responsibility for things that weren\u2019t done.How you will work through the stress to get something done.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Language is a powerful tool. Combining positive words and phrases with the positive psychology of coaching<\/strong> can provide your clients with faster and higher quality results. If you can find more higher quality outcomes in less time for your clients, imagine how fast your coaching business will grow.<\/p>\n

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