The Last Word
I was speaking with a friend about some positive changes that were taking place in my life. Yet I focused the entire conversation on a few negative aspects that were still being worked out. When I hung up the phone, I sat stunned at how poorly I'd communicated my feelings about the situation.
Reflecting later, I realized why I had dwelt on the negative. Just before calling my friend, I'd had to deal with those negative aspects. Even though the positive far outweighed the negative, the most recent experience-which happened to be negative-was the most memorable. The most memorable monopolized my thoughts and conversation, even though it wasn‘t the most important.
The last word makes a lasting impression.
Implementing that principle could powerfully impact the individual lives I touch every day. When my husband and I have a disagreement and one of us has to leave before the situation is resolved, can I shift my focus long enough to leave him with a positive comment?
When I discipline my children, after I mete out consequences, can I tell them what they did well (even if the overall outcome was disastrous)?
When I have a discussion with a friend, client, or co-worker, do I use my speech to encourage them and cause them to be better off when they leave my presence?
At home and at work, your words are powerful. Make your last word count.