Being quite interested in both linguistics and mindset, I often find myself drawing connections between the two. How you speak of yourself or others, for example, reveals quite a bit about how your think of yourself and others, and about your mindset in general.

The word “condition” and its various derivatives provide some insight into this phenomenon. Grammar? So grade school, I know, but let's dig in.

When talking about one’s state or status (mental, physical, emotional, economical, etc.), people tend to speak either in regards to their condition (noun) or their conditioning (gerund or present participle verb).

When people speak of their condition (noun), their language communicates something which is innate or has befallen them, whether positive or negative. A medical condition, good fortune, genetic makeup, innate qualities.

The message is “this is who I am,” not “this is who I have become.” Unsurprisingly, this way of speaking (and thinking) tends to correlate strongly with a greater focus on negative conditions and outcomes. “I am unable to do ________ because I am ________.” It is a linguistic deflection of responsibility.

On the other hand, language surrounding a mindset of conditioning (gerund or present participle) centers around processes, earned or developed qualities (whether positive or negative), and a degree of continuity. The message is not “this is who I am,” it is “this is who I have become and am continuing/not continuing to become.” Also unsurprisingly, this way of speaking (and thinking) tends to correlate strongly with a greater focus on moving in a positive direction, continual development, and earned outcomes. “I am unable to do ________ because I have not done ________,” or “I am able to do ________ because I did/do ________.”

Of course, “reality” (in the most impersonal sense) is composed of both conditions and conditioning. The individual with Type I diabetes, for example, did not make any choices to have Type I diabetes. But with a mind to conditioning, his language will reflect less the fact that he has some innate affliction, and more what he has done and continues to do to make progress despite his condition. There is no denial that there is some inherent condition, but the focus is on what conditioning can be done with or despite this condition, not how the condition is a defining force.

What defines you: you condition, or your conditioning?

- PS

9/19/17

• Farmer’s carry - 4x50’ (AHAP)

Then...

• 15 min AMRAP:

• 15 cal row

• 15 overhead squats (115/80)

• 150’ farmer’s carry (224/144)