Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the words we use don’t just reflect our mindset—they shape it.
What we say, both to others and ourselves, plays a huge role in our ability to thrive.
Certain phrases, though they might feel like everyday language, can reinforce self-doubt, limit your potential, and stop you from growing.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at five such phrases that could be holding you back from the success you want.
I’ve eliminated these from my own vocabulary, and the shift has been transformative. Bidding farewell to them might just do the same for you:
1) “I can’t…”
In my quest for success, I’ve found that the phrase “I can’t” is a major hindrance.
Why? Because it immediately puts an end to growth and learning.
It shuts the door to possibilities and reinforces a mindset of limitations, not potential.
As Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
When you say you can’t do something, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
And guess what? You probably won’t be able to do it.
But what if instead, we shifted our language and replaced “I can’t” with “How can I…”?
Suddenly, we’ve opened up a world of possibilities and put ourselves in a position to learn, grow, and succeed.
2) “I’ll do it later!”
I’ve been guilty of this one myself–pushing tasks into the future with the old “I’ll do it later” excuse.
Once, I had an important project to complete for Hack Spirit.
The deadline was looming, but instead of getting started, I kept telling myself, “I’ll do it later.”
Needless to say, the ‘later’ eventually turned into a frantic rush to meet the deadline.
It was a stressful experience that could have been easily avoided.
“I’ll do it later” is a dangerous phrase because it promotes procrastination and reduces productivity.
It’s a phrase that can easily transform into a bad habit, and before you know it, everything is being left until “later.”
Procrastination is the thief of time.
Worse yet, as noted by experts, it’s associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
Instead of saying “I’ll do it later,” why not try “I’ll start now”?
Even if you can’t finish the task right away, getting started is often the hardest part.
Take that first step, and you might just find yourself on the road to success.
3) “It’s not my fault!”
This phrase is a big one. Blaming others and avoiding responsibility is a surefire way to halt your progress towards success.
The phrase “It’s not my fault” is often used as a defense mechanism, a way to protect our ego.
But in doing so, we lose the opportunity for self-improvement and growth.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the importance of taking responsibility for our actions.
It’s about acknowledging our role in any given situation and using it as a chance to learn and grow.
Sure, it’s easier to blame others when things go wrong.
But it’s far more rewarding (and productive) to identify how we can do better next time.
4) “I don’t have time.”
This phrase is a frequent offender in our daily lives.
But let’s be real, when we say “I don’t have time,” what we really mean is “it’s not a priority.”
Our time is largely in our control; we choose how to spend it based on what we value most.
The problem arises when our actions don’t align with our goals and aspirations.
From a psychological perspective, when we constantly tell ourselves and others that we don’t have time, it creates a sense of stress and urgency, even when it might not be necessary.
It perpetuates the idea that we’re perennially rushed and short on time.
Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” try saying “it’s not a priority right now.”
This simple shift in language can have a profound impact on your mindset.
It helps you take ownership of your time and decisions, and keeps you focused on what matters most.
5) “I don’t need help.”
There was a time when I took pride in doing everything on my own.
I was convinced that seeking help was a sign of weakness, a confession that I wasn’t capable enough.
Using the phrase “I don’t need help” was a shield, a way to protect my ego.
But over time, I’ve realized that this mindset was more of a hindrance than a help.
It isolated me and prevented me from growing both personally and professionally.
We all need help at times, and there’s no shame in admitting it.
Even former Roman Emporer and stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote in his personal journal, “Do not be ashamed to be helped.”
Seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It shows that you value growth over ego and are willing to learn from others.
So instead of stubbornly insisting “I don’t need help,” try saying “I’d appreciate your input” or “Can you guide me on this?”
Trust me, you might be surprised how much you can learn and grow when you’re open to the wisdom of others.
Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness
When it all comes down to it, the journey towards success is deeply intertwined with our self-awareness.
The phrases we use and the words we choose to express ourselves can either become stepping stones or stumbling blocks, and it all starts with recognizing their impact.
By eliminating these phrases from our vocabulary, we open ourselves up to a mindset of growth, responsibility, and resilience.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but progression!
If you’re interested in exploring more on mindful growth and self-improvement check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.
It delves into how we can live a fulfilling life by making small but impactful changes in our daily habits.
But for the moment, reflect on the words that you use daily: Are they propelling you forward or holding you back?
The power of change lies in our hands, or rather, in our words.
Let’s start using them wisely!
