"Wow!" One of the best three letter words there is! It's easy to spell! It can save you from unnecessary conflict. And "Wow!" is fun to do! The idea of using "Wow!" originated when I was working with an overwhelmed Mom. (Some who are really sharp have already figured it out!) She not only needed a method to deal with her kids, spouse, job, home and community responsibilities -- she needed something simple to remind her to use a different approach!

Frankly, I was stumped at that moment -- so, I stalled, as any good coach will do! I said, "Of all the roles you have -- wife, mom, career woman and volunteer -- which one would you choose to improve first?"

Without hesitation, she said, "Mom!"

That's when the idea of "Wow!" hit me. "That's it!" as I jumped for a tablet. I exclaimed, "Just say Wow! And you can remember it because you're a Mom!" I had written "Mom" on the tablet, then turned it upside down to show her "Wow!"

She now had the reminder through association -- Mom = Wow. Now let's look at how a "Wow!" attitude and approach can calm most any overwhelmed person. Here are just a few of the benefits she and I discovered in a moment or two of brainstorming:

Saying "Wow!" puts you into the role of OBSERVER and LISTENER. Instead of having to immediately fix the problem presented by kids, spouse, customer or other persons, you can step back and take a look at what's going on and listen -- really listen -- to the person right there in front of you.

You have time to THINK! Even better, the other person has a chance to think, too! That's when problems can be resolved -- when both parties are thinking instead of reacting to one another.

This Mom was sure she would have MORE ENERGY by resisting the urge to rescue. You can also find added energy when you are "Wowing" instead of fixing, angering and debating!

And finally, this Mom was sure it would be kind of FUN to say, "Wow! And what else happened? And what else do you want me to do?" and "Wow! And what do you want me to instead of ...?" It's important to have fun in our relationships when we can all be involved and join in the fun, too!