Albert Einstein is reported to have said that insanity consists of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Even if he didn’t say it, he was right.
Our behavior is shaped by the language we use. Words motivate us to create change, allow us to engage in action, and make relationships with others possible. What we say, then, has a powerful effect on our choices. If you are unhappy with something, be it a relationship, your job, finances etc., doing the same things over and over will never bring the relief of change. What’s more, If you keep speaking the same way, you’ll keep getting the same results as well.
Now, let me be perfectly clear. I am not, by any means, recommending that you develop a new accent or style of speaking! Although how you speak is important, I’m much more concerned with the content of language – what it is that you are actually saying – and the intention of your language – what you are trying to produce as a result in your words. In this video I describe what I mean by Default Conversations – the sort of conversations that we typically revert back to when speaking of work, life, relationships – and why these conversations prevent us from reaching our full potential. By continuing to fall into this comfortable, default dialogue, it becomes impossible to create real change.
The opposite of Default Conversations are intentional, creative, generative conversations that forge new paths and opportunities. They ask the question “What can I do, here in the present, to create positive change?” and they place the responsibility for progress where it belongs: with you.
What are some Default Conversations you have experienced? They will be all around you in your workplace and in your relationships. They are very familiar. And they keep on producing the same results. Like Einstein suggested, it’s a form of insanity.
If you’d like to learn more about how Default Conversations affect you, send me a message. I’d be happy to speak with you.
