Words are powerful.

Because we are bombarded daily with so many words, we forget the powerful impact they can have on our lives. People can be flippant with words, not realizing they have the power to increase or decrease. Words have the power to set ideas into motion, movements and businesses. Words can start a relationship or destroy a relationship. Words can bring hope or despair. Words can inspire, mend, and heal.

Words are important and how they are used does make a difference.

Words of encouragement, that are sincere, almost always matter. You may say something encouraging and you may think it did not register with the person – but it did. Those words of encouragement come back to people in their darkest hours when hope seems lost.

Integ­rity is the key to our words. When we say “yes” it should be “yes” and we should honor our commitment. There are several people in McAllen that when they say “yes” – it is a done deal. I don’t need it in writing, a contract or even an email. There are others with whom I will not do any kind of transaction unless it is spelled out in writing.

Here are four kinds of words:

1) Words of lntention. These words are a powerful tool for all of us if we act with integrity. We make our intentions known by spelling out what we are going to do; we are telling the world and people around us that “this is what I am going to do.” Words of intention become goals. When we make our intentions known, we are making a commitment to get it done.

2) Words of Thankfulness. When we speak out loud words of gratitude or thankful­ness, they become powerful tools to change our internal attitudes. Kirk Clark does an outstanding job of expressing thankfulness and gratitude. Several times I have been in meetings with Kirk and others, and I have heard him tell them how much he appreciates their efforts or the job they are doing. Kirk has learned that expressing gratitude is a wonderful opening when working with people.

3) Words of Encouragement. Words encourage the heart. All of us recall words of encouragement from a coach, teacher, or a friend. I still recall kind words spoken to me by an opposing team’s coach, some 40 years ago. Words of encouragement are impactful.

4) No words. Along with saying and honoring our words, there are moments when saying nothing is just as powerful. Wisdom and experience win when we hold our tongues and we don’t say the hurtful thing or make the judgmental statement. Knowing when not to say something is as powerful as saying the right thing. When a person is verbally attacked, and they absorb those verbal blows, choosing not to respond in anger or revenge, is an example of true wisdom and insight.

When we think and speak – people react. Our words mean something. We may not see the immediate results of what we say, but the impact is there.

Quote of the week: “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” Napoleon Hill

Great things are happening in McAllen, come be a part of it.