Anxious or eager?

I’ve got a pet peeve to discuss with you today.

There’s a phrase that almost everyone misuses and it makes me bonkers. 

When I hear it repeated time and time again, I have to bite my tongue not to say anything.
(Afterall, people don’t typically like to be corrected unless given permission.)

Chances are, you are guilty of this one as well. 

When speaking about some upcoming event, do you say, “I’m anxious to (fill in the blank here with the event) even when you are excited?

“I’m anxious to meet you this weekend!”

“I’m anxious to get on the road for our vacation!” 

“I’m anxious to do those quarterly reviews.”

Only one of these is appropriately phrased; can you tell which is correct?

Are you the culprit of using “anxious” instead of “eager?” 

And why does this matter?

This matters because the words we use create energy and outcomes. 

They give your mind a specific path of focus  whether you’re consciously aware of this intention or not. 

“Anxious” literally means bringing about anxiety. 

Eager, on the other hand, reflects enthusiasm about an event.
Pretty big difference, yes? 

Interesting to note, anxious and eager sit side by side in our storehouse of emotions. When feeling anxious about a speaking event, for example, you can reach for excitement (eagerness) and quickly shift into a more positive and confident state. It’s an exercise I practice with those having to present before a large audience. 

In my work with clients, we talk about word choices and how they can quickly shift the energy and tone of our communication and actions.  This is a small example, yet a good place to start as you decide to use the right words to have the outcome of your desires. 

There’s entirely too much anxiety in our world right now. Let’s not add to the pot. 

Till next time, I’m eager to see how you fair with this small exercise.
Can you catch yourself when ready to say “anxious” and choose better? 

To your empowerment and joy with all you do! 

A final word (or two):  If you are someone who frequently finds themselves complaining, feeling like the victim, believing that you can’t possibly advance in their job or improve their life, reach out HERE and let’s chat. You’ll get 45 minutes of my undivided attention and I’ll leave you with at least 1-2 tools sure to make you eager and empowered once again. Nothing to be anxious about. That’s a promise.