Psychologists have long been aware of how the words we speak, read, write, and encounter can have a powerful impact on our lives. In her book Every Word Has Power, Yvonne Oswald explores the idea that changing the words you use can change your life. More information is available at http://yvonneoswald.com.
Writers have their own special challenges with words, given that “rejection” makes up a big part of a successful writing career. For that reason we excerpted a few words on Oswald’s list that writers should either avoid or use frequently. Take a look at the lists, and consider how often you use positive and negative language to describe your writing. The results might surprise you!
High-Energy Words
Achieve, Believe, Choose/Choice, Dream, Easy, Free, Future, Harmony, Knowledge, New, Please, Positive, Profit, Success, Sweet, Top, Unique, Value
Low-Energy Words
Afraid, Anxiety, Bad, Bottom, Broke, Cheap, Control, Criticize, Difficult, Doubt, Envy, Failure, Fear, Hate, Idiot, Lazy, Poor, Shame, Small, Sorrow, Trying, Weak, Worry, Worse