Ice Chip #49

“I don’t have any idea.” Really?  Sure you do.

Remember the Ice is about eradicating the “(k)notty words”.  We have identified them as “not”, and any word with “n’t” at the end.  There are also some phrases and other words that are suspect.

For example:  “no problem”.  Why would you want to suggest there is a “problem” when it can be described as a situation?  Perhaps it is a challenging situation; it is a situation none the less.

In the Art of Articulation, the focus of Remember the Ice is to give you some empowering alternatives to allow you convey your message with maximum impact and specificity.

Here is another phrase that poses some interesting comments.  Think of how many times have you been asked a question about a new subject, or a situation you have little knowledge of; and you have responded with, “I don’t have any idea.”

Looking at this phrase, there is a suggestion that we have an idea.  How is that you say?  Well, let’s remove the (k)not, and we are left with “I do have an idea”.

When we focus on the defenestration of the (k)notty words, especially “don’t”, it is easy to see the immediate shift in the message.  Several times I have used the example of what happens when we say to our children; “Don’t you do that ever again, and this time I mean it!”

What usually happens when we say “don’t” to our children?  They usually do.

And they usually do it fairly quickly.  When we add the emphasis of “and this time I mean it”; they do it with enthusiasm!  And we wonder why they did what we wanted them to avoid doing.

Would it have been better to just say; “Please do this instead.”?  I believe so.

Whether we are using “don’t” when speaking to our children, spouse, family member, employee, client, store clerk, or anyone you can think of; the suggestion is to get rid of it.  Share with them what you would like them to do.

Defenestrate the “(k)notty words”. Develop empowering alternatives on a daily basis.  Start with the basic means of communication.  Start with your self-talk.  Imagine going the entire day without using a “don’t”. Think of all of the things you will “do” and the accomplishments you will rack up by the end of the day.

I wish you much success with this endeavor.  Let me know how this goes for you.

Empowering regards,

Bob

January 26, 2010 | Filed Under Ice Chips, RTI, The RTI Community | Leave a Comment 

Ice Chip #48

Are your “(k)notty words” keeping you paralyzed?

Once again I want to thank one of the fans of Remember the Ice for the inspiration of this week’s Ice Chip.

Larry Boyer is from Fairfax County, Virginia and we had a phone conversation on the weekend about incorporating some of the advanced programs available from Remember the Ice.  He mentioned how much he notices the “(k)notty words” and how his co-workers seem to get tongue-tied when using them.

We spent a few minutes reviewing the basics of making the paradigm shift:  “The main thought to have is to think about what you want to have happen.”  Larry commented, “It’s like we get paralyzed by the (k)nots.”  I had to agree with him and thanked him for providing the content for this week’s Ice Chip.

Think about it.  Communication is at the core of everything we do.  If we are tying ourselves up in (k)nots, how in the world can we be focused on accomplishing the goals we outlined in our new year’s resolution?  How can we be enhancing our relationships with loved ones?  How can we be providing exceptional care to our valued clients?

“(k)notty words” lead to word choice paralysis.


Remember the Ice is some potent medicine for this situation.  Use your articulation skills we have been focusing on.  Embrace the concepts and put them into action.

You will be glad you did.

Thank you Larry for your inspiration.

Empowering regards,

Bob

January 19, 2010 | Filed Under Ice Chips, RTI, The RTI Community | Leave a Comment 

Ice Chip #47

Self-Talk for New Year’s Resolutions

So here we are; less than two weeks into the new year and I have a question for you.  Did you make some New Year’s resolutions?

Actually, I have a couple more questions.

How are you doing with them?  Make more than one?  How about the popular one:  This year I am losing weight!!  (Remember to release the weight.  If you lose it, you might find it later.)

Back to the self-talk.

Over the past year we have been focused on eradicating “(k)notty words” because of the impact they have on our conversations with family members, clients, co-workers, friends and anyone else who is important to us.

Well, we spend more time in thoughts and conversation or self-talk with—you guessed it:  ourselves, than anyone else.

So when it comes to these resolutions, commitments, promises, etc; what kind of self-talk are you wrapping around this goal you have set?

Example:

“I want to lose weight because I can’t fit into my clothes. I don’t have the money to buy any new clothes, so I have to lose it.  NOW!”

Wow; what a disempowering set of messages to have as self-talk.

How about this articulation instead?

“I want to release 160 ounces over a 4 week period so I can enjoy the clothes I have and look forward to adding some new ones as I experience more success this year.  I like having a focused, empowering attitude about releasing weight.”

As you continue with pursuing your resolution, make sure to raise the bar on your self-talk and reap the rewards of empowering word choice.

Words mean things!  You might as well choose the most empowering ones you can.

Have a great week.

Empowering regards,

Bob

PS.  Thank you to all of you who took a look at The RTI Community. You can join for Free and get some of the content all year long.

If you want to have access to 258 “Pieces of Ice” you can experience a free 14 day trial of the Premium Membership.

Please use the code word:  founder (lower case)

and you will save 50% off the Premium Membership!

January 12, 2010 | Filed Under Ice Chips, RTI, The RTI Community | 1 Comment 

Ice Chip #46

Remember the Ice launches new Community Website!!

This is a very special day for Remember the Ice and those of you who have been so loyal in your support of the message of empowering word choice.

I have had the privilege of meeting several of you in person as I travel around sharing the Remember the Ice message.  Thank you for your interest, support and enthusiasm for RTI.  Many of you have told me about your success stories of increased business, enhanced relationships, and better overall communication.

With this Ice Chip, I am very pleased and proud to announce the launching of:

The RTI Community

Now there is the opportunity to access a special membership website dedicated to sharing the Remember the Ice message.

AND, You can join it for Free!

The RTI Community is a membership community for people who want to learn, practice, use and share the Remember the Ice empowering word choice program.

In The RTI Community there are videos, podcasts, downloads, knotty word photos, articles, whitepapers and forums to foster discussions with other members, and yours truly, about how using the concepts of Remember the Ice can help you in enhancing your communication skills.

Some of the content is Free!

Premium members have a broader access to the full spectrum of content.

When you click on this link:  The RTI Community you will be taken to the home page where you will have the opportunity to browse the site and determine your next step.

I appreciate our connection through the Ice Chips and your continued support for Remember the Ice, and look forward to your participation in the community.

Some of you have met me through BNI and Ecademy.com, and may have already; or will be receiving an email invitation from me to join The RTI Community. These emails will have a specific code you can use to take advantage of special membership opportunities.  Please make sure to use the code you received to take full advantage of the benefits of membership.

Again, thank you for your interest and support, and I look forward to your participation in The RTI Community.

Empowering regards,

Bob

January 5, 2010 | Filed Under Ice Chips, RTI, The RTI Community | Leave a Comment 

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