THIS is what we can gather from that parable about a man with two sons, asking them to work in his vineyard. (cfr. Mt 21,28-32) The first one refused but eventually went, while the second one said yes, but actually did not go.
That second son somehow personifies anyone of us who think that we are already ok because we do a lot of good things, we pray, we offer sacrifices and all the works, but feel that we do not need anymore to have another conversion, to make another step to get closer to God and to everybody else. We get trapped in our own self-righteousness.
This common phenomenon of self-righteousness can be considered as the irony of ironies. That’s because we can earnestly pursue the path of holiness, of what is good and right, and yet end up the opposite of what we want. We can practically have the trappings of goodness and holiness and yet miss the real root of righteousness who is God. It can be so self-deceiving that we become fully convinced we are righteous.
The main problem with self-righteousness is when our search for holiness does not go all the way. Our relation with God, our understanding of God’s will and ways only goes to a certain extent. Usually it stops at that point where we feel we already know everything. In other words, we make ourselves the ultimate judge of things, discarding the many other things of God’s will and ways that may still be hidden in mysteries, and for which we need to have another conversion.
This was well personified by the Pharisees, scribes and other elders during the time of Christ. They preferred to stick to their own ideas of goodness and holiness, their own laws and traditions, and went all the way not only to be suspicious of Christ, always finding fault in him, but also to finally crucify him.
This danger of self-righteousness usually affects people who are considered intelligent, gifted, talented. They often regard themselves, either in an open way or in a hidden way, superior to others.
If we are truly righteous with a righteousness that is a participation of the righteousness of God, then we should include in our idea of goodness and holiness the essential virtues of humility, compassion and mercy, for which we need to have conversion.
We cannot deny that all throughout our life we will always be hounded by our weaknesses and the many temptations around. We will always have a certain attraction to evil—what is otherwise known as concupiscence. But God knows this and is ever willing to welcome us back to him. Let’s try to be like St. Mary Magdalene and the prodigal son who, after wasting his father’s inheritance, decided to go back to his father.
God will always welcome us back, even if we appear to be already abusing the goodness and mercy of God. We should just put our mind and heart to this fact of life that we are all sinners and that we need to convert.
We are always in need of frequent and continuing conversions because very often our resolutions are fickle. We neither can deny that in spite of our best intentions and efforts, we still come out with ideas, words, deeds that are spiced with all sorts of imperfections, for which we have to repent.
We should be humble enough to acknowledge these, even if we also acknowledge the good things we have done.
The power of one word: How a single term can boost behavioral change by 30%
The human mind is a complex tapestry of thoughts, emotions, and ingrained habits. Changing behavior, whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, improving work habits, or breaking a bad addiction, is often a monumental task. Yet, research suggests that a seemingly insignificant element – a single word – can dramatically increase the likelihood of success. Studies indicate that the right word can boost the probability of behavioral change by a remarkable 30%. This article explores the science behind this phenomenon and delves into the practical applications of this powerful tool.
The key lies in the framing of the message. Our brains are wired to respond to certain cues and stimuli more effectively than others. Words, with their inherent connotations and emotional weight, exert a significant influence on our decision-making processes. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a behavior, such as the dangers of smoking or the drawbacks of procrastination, a more effective approach is to highlight the positive outcomes associated with change. This is where the power of a single, strategically chosen word comes into play.
One particularly effective word is “yet.” This seemingly innocuous term subtly reframes perceived failures as temporary setbacks rather than permanent defeats. Consider the difference between “I can’t solve this problem” and “I can’t solve this problem yet.” The addition of “yet” introduces an element of hope and expectation, suggesting that a solution is attainable in the future. This subtle shift in perspective can significantly impact motivation and persistence.
Another powerful word is “easily.” This term taps into our innate desire for effortless achievement. By suggesting that a task is “easily” accomplished, we reduce the perceived difficulty and increase the likelihood of initiating the desired behavior. This is particularly effective when dealing with tasks that are perceived as daunting or challenging. For example, instead of saying “It’s difficult to exercise regularly,” a more motivating message would be “It’s easily possible to incorporate short bursts of exercise into your daily routine.”
The choice of words also plays a crucial role in shaping our self-perception. Words like “capable” and “strong” can empower individuals and bolster their self-efficacy, the belief in their ability to succeed. Conversely, negative self-talk, filled with words like “weak” or “incapable,” can undermine motivation and lead to self-sabotage. By consciously choosing empowering language, we can create a positive feedback loop that reinforces desired behaviors.
Beyond individual words, the context in which they are used is equally important. A single word embedded within a larger narrative can have a profound impact on its persuasiveness. For example, a public health campaign promoting healthy eating might use the word “delicious” to associate healthy food with positive sensory experiences. This positive association can override pre-existing negative perceptions and encourage healthier food choices.
The 30% increase in behavioral change attributed to a single word isn’t merely a matter of chance. It’s a testament to the power of language to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By understanding the subtle nuances of language and strategically choosing words that resonate with our target audience, we can significantly improve the effectiveness of our communication and achieve better outcomes.
However, it’s crucial to understand that a single word is not a magic bullet. It’s a tool that needs to be used effectively within a broader strategy for behavioral change. This strategy should incorporate other elements such as clear goals, consistent reinforcement, and a supportive environment. The single word acts as a catalyst, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the change process.
In conclusion, the power of a single word in driving behavioral change is a compelling testament to the influence of language on human behavior. By carefully selecting words that emphasize positive outcomes, reduce perceived difficulty, and empower individuals, we can create more effective interventions that lead to lasting change. The 30% increase in success rates is not just a statistic; it’s a powerful reminder of the profound impact of language on our lives. Let’s harness this power to create a more positive and productive future.
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