Three Lessons from a Navy SEAL

We often underestimate the power of spoken word. I’m not talking about poetry or creative lyrics, but the words that actually come out of our mouths to describe our life, share with others, and perhaps most importantly, how we talk to ourselves. Everything that comes out of our mouth matters.

One of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned about this is from a Navy SEAL named Chadd Wright. I’ve been following his story and work for several years, particularly since he left the U.S. military and decided to share his life with others. Chadd has three principles that he shares with others about how to endure hardship, and all of them are related to the words we speak out loud. And while these are often related to physical challenges – such as the ultramarathon events that Chadd Wright completes – they are applicable to all of our hardships:

1. Never give your pain a voice.

If you feel tired or want to quit, don’t let the words come out of your mouth. Whatever pain you are feeling, keep it inside, because when you speak those words, you give them power.

2. Don’t die in the chair.

Take quitting off the table. When you decide to do something difficult or something you know you have to get through, remove the option to give up. Internalize to yourself that no matter what you’re going through, you aren’t going to quit.

3. Remember what you’re grateful for.

It’s so easy when we are in pain to forget the good things in our life. But if you consistently remind yourself what you are thankful for, especially in physical challenges, you will have a consistent source of energy. Never forget what you’re grateful for.

Everything that comes out of your mouth has meaning to it, whether we realize it or not. When you speak positive, truthful statements to yourself out loud, it will transform your life. I can be terrible at this sometimes, letting one thing derail my thoughts and saying something over the top like, “this just ruined the day” or “now this isn’t going to work out.” I’m saying this message to myself just as much as I’m sharing it with you.

Your tongue is a rudder, as James describes it in the Bible, and with it you control the rest of your body. Where your tongue goes, your life’s actions will follow. Keep an eye on the words that come out of your mouth, especially the ones you use to describe your life. Never give your pain a voice, don’t die in the chair, and remember what you’re grateful for, because the words you speak matter.

*Link to the video that inspired me to write this: The Words You Speak Matter - Jesse Itzler