If you’ve been in one of my webinars, or worked with me, you already know about Mighty Language. Because I’m a big fan of this simple tool that wakes your brain, and starts up your idea machinery.
The word “might” has a powerful magic. It represents possibility, so our brains perk up. It might be a predator. It might be food. It might be a sexual opportunity. Might is linked closely to our survival instinct.
By contrast, “have to” is run of the mill. Our brains check out. In fact, they often put up resistance to “have to” or “need.”
“Might” can shift your brain energy from overwhelm to problem-solving mode. It is the simple addition of the word: Might. Might changes your To-do list into a “Might-Do” list, and isn’t that better already?
Mighty Language
- How Might I?
- In What ways Might we?
- What might be all the ways?
Say this sentence in your head:
“I have to write this chapter.”
Or, “I have to finish this scene.”
Or, something from your own to-do list, “I have to…”
How does that feel? Literally, focus on the feelings that arise in your body. Where can you feel it? Do you detect resistance? Are you eager to do the task?
Now, Rephrase the same sentence:
“How Might I write this chapter?”
Or, “How Might I finish this scene?”
Or, something from your own to-do list, “How might I do xyz”
How does it feel different when you say the new sentence? Can you feel your brain upshifting? Can you sense that the locus of your thinking has shifted from the bottom back of your head – the reptilian brain – to the top front of your head? That’s the neo-cortex (aka story brain).
The simple addition of the word “might” has allowed you to shift from resistance to light. I love this mighty tool, and always use it when I’m considering my challenges and tasks. It makes my brain spin out ideas and solutions, instead of sink in despair. And that’s a mighty trade-off.
In the meantime, you can learn more in the free Master Classes that are part of the Write Without the Fight Club – a paid monthly membership. The Club is a treasure trove of programs about how to activate and maximize your creativity – and these four courses are free. So join us in the Clubhouse.