Change creates a wave of emotions which determines our motivation and desire to make decisions and take action. Our capacity to Ride the Wave of Change and control our “internal dialogue” is a powerful tool which directs our response to life’s circumstances.
Unfortunately, seldom are we taught how to manage our emotions. Our parents, the educational system and the corporate environment are dedicated to teach us how to do “things.” Like tying our shoes, throwing a ball, studying for a test and being more productive. All of this knowledge is extremely important. Of equal importance is effectively managing the wave of emotions which presents itself daily.
There are two words which help to manage and direct our “internal dialogue.” The words are BECAUSE and BUT.
William Shakespeare said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
- A positive attitude towards change is good, BECAUSE it creates imagery which empowers us to develop creative solutions.
- A negative attitude towards change is not good, BUT it does give us an opportunity to reflect on the positive elements which the situation creates.
Every change contains both positive and negative elements. The language we use to 
process these changes will determine the attitude we assume with respect to each event. In the first case, the word BECAUSE affirms the importance of the positive reaction and in the second case, the word BUT detracts from the importance of the negative reaction allowing us to find positive elements of the change.
Normally, we use the word BUT in a negative way in our “internal dialogue.” For example:
“I consider myself to be intelligent and capable, BUT I wasn’t successful in closing an important contract because I wasn’t able to see the subtle nuances of the deal.”
Unconsciously, we beat ourselves up and diminish the importance of our intelligence and 
capability while we place more emphasis on our inability to achieve an objective. In order to utilize the word BUT in a positive way, we can “phrase” this “internal dialogue” as follows:
“I wasn’t successful in closing the deal, BUT I am intelligent and capable to learn from the experience so that I will do better next time.”
We create power when we use these small and mighty words. Our attitude towards change has a decisive impact in our lives. The decision we take with respect to each event in our life creates our direction and destiny.
When we control the words and ideas flowing through our “internal dialogue”, we take advantage of a powerful tool allowing us to bounce back from the most difficult situations in life, because in the end…
It’s the Bounce that Counts!
∞ Rob McBride ∞
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