Change the Words, Change the Experience

Have you ever noticed how certain words can instantly ignite anxiety, while others feel exciting and bring a sense of optimism and possibility? 

Our brain's wiring is remarkably sensitive to language. Consider the word “change.” In today's workplace, it triggers a cascade of fears, activating what I call the "small self." This is because part of us is fear-based, conditioned by survival instincts to perceive change with uncertainty and a potential threat. 

But change is inevitable, and also brings great good. It leads to innovation and opportunity. 

Which led me to design a language experiment: can we better navigate or minimise our negative emotional reactions through language?

For this experiment, I asked 30 people what they associate with the word "restructure". 

Their first and the most common responses were:
Restructure = job losses, exhaustion, anger, frustration, poor leadership, sadness (for themselves and others). Their body language also matched the words (eye rolls, slumped shoulders, the odd swear word for good measure!)
 
But when I probed, many people had also seen really positive things come from restructures. 

These words included growth through challenge, creativity, finally fixing things, new relationships, energy and winning. Their body language also became more positive: sitting up, smiling, nodding. 

When I asked why they initially were so negative rather than balanced, most indicated the uncertainty and chaos was exhausting, but the mid-term benefits were there. Even those whose jobs were made redundant said it eventually led to good things (which may never have otherwise happened). 

So what is the insight from my language experiment?

Words activate emotions. By consciously choosing words that are also associated with the benefits of restructures - words like “creativity,” “innovate,” or “development”—we tap into our brain's plasticity. This reframes our approach, transforming fear into possibility.

However, it's equally important to frame the initial, inevitable pain with respect and honesty (don't dismiss it). This demonstrates integrity, care and empathy for what people are experiencing. Just don't get stuck in it. Move directly to engaging people to co-create the future (the reason for the restructure). This is how people can focus and realise the good things from this change.

Words are more than mere communication tools; they are catalysts for transforming your mindset and experience. As an individual, choose language that articulates change as an adventure (with challenge and opportunity) rather than a threat, you change how you perceive the situation and emotionally respond to it. This subtle yet significant shift can reduce stress and open paths previously shrouded by fear.

Try it. It will save you a lot of stress and unlock the positives so much faster!