Words are a programming language.

In the same way that we can program computers with programming languages, we can influence, and be influenced by mere words.

A few kind words from a doctor at a patient's bedside can help speed recovery. A few words poorly chosen, might have the opposite effect.

I was partially inspired to write this after seeing Alex Hormozi talk about a simple sales situation. He was coaching his sales reps on selling a package to gym owners that would help them attract more clients. He pointed out that there are 2 ways to sell the same idea:

1) “You will earn on average $50k more per year but it’s going to require a lot of work”

2) “It’s going to require a lot of work but you will earn $50k more per year”

Small difference in wording, huge impact on effectiveness, and *feeling*.

Words matter.