Something to Read
How many times do you hear “I think” during a meeting?
I know I was contributing a huge number of these phrases… and they aren’t as powerful as I’d like. Communication expert Lorraine K. Lee shared advice in a recent CNBC article that challenges all of us to swap out “I think” for “I recommend” when expressing our thoughts. It’s a small change with the potential for a big impact.
The difference may seem subtle—but it’s powerful. “I think” can sound hesitant, like you’re hedging. “I recommend,” on the other hand, conveys confidence and clarity. It shows that you’ve considered your point of view and you’re willing to stand behind it. What I appreciate most about this idea is that it doesn’t require a full language makeover—just a little awareness.
I’d take Lorraine’s advice one step further: let’s challenge ourselves to open comments in meetings with something other than “I.” If you’re talking to me in the coming weeks, prepare to hear some creative sentence openings!
Read the full article, “Stop saying ‘I think’—use a ‘subtle but powerful’ swap to sound more confident,” by Lorraine K. Lee on CNBC.
Something to Hear
We are a vast network of emotion.
In The Happiness Lab episode “Harnessing People Around Us to Feel Happier,” Dr. Laurie Santos talks with psychologist Ethan Kross about how much our happiness is tied to the people around us—it seems unlikely that most of us would forget that right now as the world is constantly surprising us with the next crisis.
However, what resonated with me most: we tend to push through hard things alone when even a small connection—a quick conversation, a shared laugh, a moment of real support—can shift everything.
They also talk about emotional contagion and how the moods of people around us quietly shape our own. A recent trip to my very favorite place – Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace (a local NJ grocery chain)- brought out the contagion concept loud and clear. It was an early Saturday morning and I was enjoying the thrill of a quiet store and a hot coffee. Though, it seemed everyone else in the store was hoping to get through the hour and take everyone else down with them. Having the parking attendant disclose that he was “not a morning person” and “didn’t know why he even took this job” was my final parting gift of grouchery to send me on my way.
Being mindful of who brings energy and who drains it is a priority for me this quarter – perhaps me bringing good energy to Uncle Giuseppe’s will help bring some joy to everyone else!
This episode was an easy listen and one I would recommend. Find “Harnessing People Around us to Feel Happier” of The Happiness Lab wherever you get your podcasts.
Something to Do
Give a compliment out loud.
That nice thought you had about your colleague’s insight in a meeting? Or your friend’s ability to make you laugh even on a rough day? Say it out loud.
One of the big ideas from this month’s Something to Hear is that we consistently underestimate how much people are paying attention—and how much they appreciate being noticed.
So, here’s a low-effort, high-impact challenge:
The next time you think something kind or admiring about someone, don’t keep it to yourself. Say it. Message it. Write it down.
Make it awkward if you have to.
It might be exactly what they need to hear.
Something to See
I could feel the whisper of spring in the air during this sunrise walk. Mornings like this are what give me the most inspiration in life. What is inspiring you this season?