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AND. It’s one of the smallest words in the English language. And it’s one of the most powerful. It connects opposites, builds bridges, and brings ideas and people together. When individuals embrace AND, they are more authentic, creative, and free. When organizations and communities embrace AND, they are more innovative, inclusive, and loving. Life in the AND is a podcast about how we all can embrace AND create more authenticity, inclusion, and love in our lives, businesses, and the world. Dr. Erin Baker, a transformational coach, and social psychologist shares some of the most powerful ANDs she embraces in her life, and has inspiring conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives to unearth their answer to the question, “What AND do YOU stand for?”

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  2. 013 | It's Time to Replace "Reach Your Potential" With an AND

013 | It's Time to Replace "Reach Your Potential" With an AND

Aug 11, 2020

“You can reach your potential.” What do you feel when you read those words? Language is a sophisticated tool humanity has developed over the ages. There are many social psychologists out there who study how language can reflect our thoughts, feelings, identity, and even our educational attainment. Language is so powerful: not only does it reflect our character, but the subtle meaning behind the words we use can also make or break us. The language we use can help us create and change how we see the world. 

That’s exactly why the word And is so powerful.

Today, I explore the power of language and how it can create and change our identities. I discuss the psychology behind the words that we use and how subtle changes in the use of words can change a person’s motivations. I share the reason I am fascinated with the word “and,” and illustrate how that word creates realms that feel impossible. I also reveal how the phrase “reach your potential” can negatively impact us and how we can reframe it with an AND.

“You are enough AND you can be more. The universe is whole and is ever-expanding. You are a universe that’s ever-expanding, too.” - Erin Baker

This week on Life in the AND:

  • The incredible psychology behind the words we use and how language reveals who we are
  • How the subtle shifts in language can change our motivation and identity
  • The word And can change our thinking - and create it
  • Why the phrase “reach your potential” can be subtly problematic
  • Striving for enoughness and external validation from our peers and accolades
  • Looking at our limitless potential with an AND

Embrace Life in the AND

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Life in the AND, the podcast helping you embrace the AND in your life to cultivate more authenticity, creativity, inclusiveness, and love in every area of the world around you. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and leave a review. 

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