5 Ways to Keep Your Words from Sabotaging Your Success

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<p>Success frequently comes to those who <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-8-ways-to-master-the-art-of-communication/">know what to say</a>, when to say it and how to say it. And those with talent who don't communicate effectively often never get the satisfaction of fulfilling their potential.</p>



<p>In the busyness of life and work, we can sometimes forget the impact of our words. A few words spoken hastily can ruin a relationship or an opportunity. So can a few words gone unspoken. Sometimes the people around you need to hear you speak clearly about where you stand on certain issues or how you feel about them. The missing piece that will solidify success in your relationships, job or entrepreneurial endeavors may be right under your nose! I have five simple ideas to share with you this week about the words that come out of your mouth:</p>



<h2 id="h-1-learn-when-to-be-quiet">1. Learn when to be quiet.</h2>



<p>Some of us are more inclined to speak than others, but those who find the most success are often those who <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-speak-well-and-listen-better/">know when to be quiet</a>. There may be a situation in your life right now that is hindered and not helped by more talking. Don't be afraid of silence. Sometimes life's best answers appear when we are quiet enough to listen.</p>



<h2 id="h-2-give-yourself-time-to-think">2. Give yourself time to think.</h2>



<p>We have all heard the saying, "think before you speak." Consider this a reminder that it is always wise to consider the impact your words will have after they are spoken. Think of the best way to communicate what you need to say before you even open your mouth. Even when you are in a conversation and must respond immediately, take a few seconds first to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/intimacy-path-toward-spirituality/201906/the-surprising-power-pausing-speaking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gather your thoughts</a>. You will come across as being more thoughtful and will likely feel more confident about what you say. If you need more time to think about how to respond, simply say, "Let me give that some thought."</p>



<h2 id="h-3-refuse-to-murmur-and-complain">3. Refuse to murmur and complain.</h2>



<p>We can always find something to complain about if we focus on the negative. Make a decision to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/7-ways-to-practice-gratitude-to-help-you-grow/">appreciate the blessings</a> in every situation and refuse to waste your words complaining and murmuring. Instead, ask, "What solution would help me eliminate the challenges I find myself complaining about?" Complaints drain your energy—and the energy of the people around you. Use your words <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/your-words-are-powerful-8-positive-speaking-habits-to-build-yourself-up/">to renew your energy</a>, not deplete it.</p>



<h2 id="h-4-tell-me-something-good">4. Tell me something good!</h2>



<p>In the ‘70s, Chaka Khan had a funky song that became her first hit, <em>Tell Me Something Good</em>. I still love to sing it when I hear it on the radio.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fourteen years ago, I wrote a newsletter asking you to ask yourself and others every day, "What's the best thing that's happened to you lately?" Are you still asking yourself that question regularly? Stay in the habit of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/7-practical-tips-to-achieve-a-positive-mindset/">acknowledging the good things</a> that are going on so that you don't find your conversation out of balance and focused solely on the negative realities you may face.</p>



<h2 id="h-5-speak-your-goals-into-existence">5. Speak your goals into existence.</h2>



<p>One of the most common reasons many people never <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-steps-to-manifest-your-goals-in-life-yes-it-really-does-work/">reach their goals</a> is that they don't really believe they can. Not only do they not believe it, but they speak negatively about their chances for success. Sometimes you have to speak your way into believing all that is possible for you. <a href="https://hbr.org/2022/02/to-reach-your-goals-embrace-self-compassion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Speak positively about your vision</a> for your life. "I will accomplish my goal by doing XYZ…." Even if you hear your doubts swirling around in your head ("You can't do that!" "Who do you think you are?!"), refuse to verbalize them. Eventually your thoughts will catch up with your words.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article was published in April 2008 and has been updated. Photo by </em><em>Jacob Lund</em><em>/Shutterstock</em></p>

Success often comes to those who know what to say, when to say it and how to say it. And those

Success often comes to those who know what to say, when to say it and how to say it. And those | SUCCESS

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Valorie Burton

5 Questions to Help Turn Your Passion Into Profit

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<p>"Do what you love, Val, and the rewards will come."</p>



<p>It was a piece of advice given to me by one of my mentors a long time ago. I was intrigued and quite skeptical when he said it, but I really wanted to believe that statement could be true. If I followed my passion and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/selling-sunset-star-emma-hernan-on-following-your-passion-and-finding-balance/">pursued what I loved for a living</a>, would the rewards really come? The answer, I have discovered, is yes. One of the chapters in my book, <em><a href="https://amzn.to/3wPxo0d">Rich Minds, Rich Rewards</a></em>, is appropriately named, "Do what you love and the rewards will come." They don't always come overnight, but they do come at the right time.</p>



<p>What is it you love that you'd like to do (or do more of) for a living? The most <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/38351-2/">gratifying rewards are fulfillment and joy</a>, but today I want to share five questions to consider when you want to make money pursuing your purpose—that thing you are passionate about.</p>



<p>Many people know what their passion is, but are frustrated by the process of trying to turn their passion into profit. Whether you are running your own company, starting a business, or seeking that next promotion or job, answer these five questions to help you increase the financial rewards of doing what you love:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-what-difference-am-i-passionate-about-making-in-others-lives">1. What difference am I passionate about making in others' lives?</h2>



<p>Notice I didn't ask "what are you passionate about?" Instead, I want you to determine the purpose of your passion, which is using it to positively impact the world. That type of drive attracts opportunities that often lead to raises, job offers, and new business. To turn your passion into profit, you must fulfill a purpose that others need or want. Unfortunately, people and companies aren't particularly concerned with whether you get to pursue your passion. They spend money on people, products and services that fulfill their needs and desires. When you focus on your passion—then find a way to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-use-your-influence-to-help-others/">allow your passion to impact others</a>, you have a winning formula.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-have-i-mastered-my-craft">2. Have I mastered my craft?</h2>



<p>It isn't enough to have talent. Allow your passion to fuel a desire to learn more about your field of endeavor—and improve your skills and knowledge. Those who master their craft go above and beyond others in their field. They introduce new ways of doing things, inspire trends and blaze trails that others follow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-am-i-passion-driven-or-profit-driven">3. Am I passion-driven or profit-driven?</h2>



<p>When you are passionate about what you do, you give 110%. Those who are most sought after for their skills are often those whose passion creates results that people need. Their passion for what they do sparks creativity, perseverance and excellence. You cannot underestimate the power of passion to produce excellence and perseverance—two assets you need to profit from what you love. Success comes to those who are willing to stay the course despite adversities, challenges and distractions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-do-i-know-how-to-make-money">4. Do I know how to make money?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>If the goal is to increase your income, then seek knowledge about how best to do that. Many people fail to earn more because they haven't made financial education a priority. Although passion is a key to attracting financial rewards, making more money also means learning to live below your means, ask for what you are worth, invest and spend wisely. If you are running a business, it also means hiring good people (financial and legal advisors, as well as staff), marketing, and reigning in expenses. Take classes, read financial books and learn lessons from those who are where you want to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-am-i-willing-to-take-a-leap-of-faith">5. Am I willing to take a leap of faith?</h2>



<p>Fear is the biggest obstacle to pursuing your dreams. Many people insist it is a lack of money or time or resources, but it is often a fear of failure, rejection, or even a fear of success, that holds a person back. What is it you've been wanting to pursue that you've been hesitating about? Take baby steps if you have to, but be willing to step out on faith to use the natural gifts and talents you are passionate about. If you do what you love, patiently and persistently, the rewards will come.</p>



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<p style="font-size:12px"><em>This article was originally published in April 2008 and has been updated for freshness and accuracy. <br>Photo by @isaeva.studio/Twenty20</em><br></p>

Many people insist it is a lack of money or time or resources, but it is often a fear of failure, rejection, or even a fear of success, that holds a person back.

Many people insist it is a lack of money or time or resources, but it is often a fear of failure, rejection, or even a fear of success, that holds a person back. | SUCCESS

5 Questions to Help Turn Your Passion Into Profit | SUCCESS

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Valorie Burton

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5 Ways to Keep Your Words from Sabotaging Your Success

5 Questions to Help Turn Your Passion Into Profit