Words mean things and — because meanings can vary — our comprehension of common phrases and words can make for a confusing exchange with others, as well as the confusing messages we send to our own brain.

For instance, a fan favorite is the usage of commitment v. goal. We frequently interchange these two when, in fact, they are quite different. Webster’s defines goal as: the end toward which effort is directed. It defines commitment as: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future. So clearly they are different. The commitment is critical to the journey as you begin to travel toward that important goal you wish to reach.

This is a very important distinction for the very important somethings you want for yourself. We can have goals all day and yet, without commitment, we will never see them achieved. Can you imagine how confusing this common misuse of language is to your brain?

While there are five regions of the brain that are constantly working to help us navigate through life, two in particular are extremely important to how we conduct conversations with each other: the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex. Without getting into too much neuroscience here, the Amygdala is for our protection, security, our survival. Our Prefrontal cortex provides us with clarity, compassion, wisdom and creativity. Both our extremely important to our ability to move forward to our next thing; however, triggering one over the other can result in a very underwhelming and non-productive exchange that lasts for many hours, without anyone moving forward.