31 OWNING WHAT I SAY | Bridge The Gap With

Exercise 30 OWNING WHAT I SAY

Name________________________________________________________Date _______________

School___________________________________________________________________________

Often our language shapes the way we think about issues in our lives. In the sentences below you will find distortions of language (underlined) that cloud our thinking and interfere with our ownership of thoughts and actions. Fill in the blanks with words that demonstrate your choices and the ownership they reflect.

Example: I’ve got to (must) make the baseball team this spring.

Change to: I want to because “want” shows that I am making a choice to go for it but I realize that other people have a part in the outcome.

1. I can’t pass US History class.

Change to: I won’t or I choose not to because “can’t” says that it’s impossible for me to do it and getting a passing grade is possible with hard work, a strategy for success and some support.

2. I must have respect from people when I give it to them

Change to: ______________________________________________________________________