Four of My Favorite Words in the English Language
As of December 30, 2006, there were estimated to be almost one million words in the English language. Actually the number is 991,833 according to The Global Language Monitor.
I gave this some thought and came up with 4 of my favorites:
- Accountability – I love this word and strive each and every day to be accountable to myself, my family, M/A/R/C Research, Omnicom and of course our clients.
- Passionate – I love people who are passionate about something. It could be work, family, a goal, sports or some type of combination. Maybe it’s just me but most successful people have tremendous passion in their life.
- Teamwork – This word is probably tossed around more times than any other word.
• Companies are built on teamwork • Championship teams are built on teamwork. • The number on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back To me the feeling of teamwork—the building of the team, accomplishing and exceeding goals—is like nothing else. - Friendship – I put a tremendous amount of value into friendship. I believe your friends are part of you and clearly help you become who you are. You can mature so much through different friendships. By really listening you can learn so much about life and yourself.
Do you agree or disagree with my choices?
More importantly, what are you favorite words?
February 19th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I definately like your choices, and all would fall within my top ten most important. Along these lines, a few others come to mind:
FAMILY - for all the good, bad and the ugly, the saying is really true - bllood is thicker than water. While many times we experience periods of less than perfect gratitude for our families, I have found mine to be source of love a strength, and in the raising and growing of my own family, hope that I can mean to them what my immediate family has meant to me.
GRATITUDE - a basic sense of thanks for the things in one’s life. I see so many people who focus on the “have nots” instead of the “haves.” I can also spot them easily, since I wasn’t always a grateful person. Today, I’m very grateful for the gratitude.
RESPONSABILITY - very similar to “ACCOUNTABILITY,” this word (and the action associated with this word) has made huge differences in my life, both personally and professionally. While some may initially try and shirk responsibility, it always presents an opportunity to me. If I can be responsible for something, I can have a say in changing it. WHAT A GIFT!
PROCRASTINATION - on the other side of the spectrum, there’s this word, whcih literally turns my stomach. I have become so sensitive to this that I cringe from it, like pulling your hand away from a blue flame. The moment I see this little devil start to creep in, I take an action towards something productive.
Thanks, Merrill. I’m looking forward to seeing some other responses.
All my best!
February 19th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Hi Merrill,
Your words are great words and I agree with all of them!
I would add the word Integrity as one of my favorite words: nothing hidden, being truthful and honest, doing complete work from an empowering context and doing what I say I would do, in the manner it was meant to be done!
February 19th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Merrill, hard to disagree with your choices.
My list includes :
LOVE a word that has many definitions but the key is they are all positive.It helps build relationships and allows them to survive and endure. It also engenders peace and tolerance. Some things I think our society needs more of.
RESPECT for others and for ones self. Accepting the thoughts and feelings of others without judgment.
POSITIVE it puts the focus on the good and not the negative. Add up your worst day and there will always be some good at the end of that day and some good to look forward to and to build on.
EMPOWERMENT allow others to do for themselves. It builds character and trust in ones self. There will be stumbles along the way but the lessons learned will allow for future successes in life and in business
February 19th, 2007 at 11:51 am
You chose four good ones Merrill. I would add the following as very important to me.
1. Loyalty-If you don’t take care of the people who take care of you-what good are you?
2. Integrity-As a small boy, my father taught me that a man is only as good as his word.
3. Commitment-Gotta put your whole self in.
4. Humility-The night I won the MRA President’s Award for Service to the Industry, I looked out over the 700+ people in the audience-my friends and peers and colleagues-and I knew in an instant there had to be many who were more deserving than I out of MRA’s 1500 members back then. It was an instant jolt of just how important I really was and I have never forgotten the moment.