Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I can't handle this" or "I'm just not good at this"? Those words might seem like innocent reflections of how you feel, but in reality, they are the architects of your limitations. The words you use don’t just describe your reality—they shape it.
The good news? With a little intention, you can use language as a tool to build a mindset that empowers you, instead of holding you back. Let’s explore how changing your words can change your life.
The Hidden Power of Words
Words are more than just sounds or letters strung together. They are powerful influencers of how we perceive the world. When you say something like, "I’m stuck," you create a mental block that makes it hard to move forward. Your brain believes the words you tell it. But what if, instead, you said, "I’m figuring things out"? Suddenly, your challenge transforms from an immovable barrier to a process—a journey you’re capable of navigating.
Consider this: when you face a difficult task, you might instinctively think, "This is too hard." That thought alone can drain your energy and motivation. But if you replace it with, "This is challenging, but I’ll find a way," the whole dynamic shifts. Now, instead of feeling defeated, you feel determined. Words like "hard" and "impossible" close doors in your mind. Words like "challenging" and "opportunity" open them.
How Words Shape Beliefs
The words you choose not only affect how you feel about a situation, but they also form the beliefs you hold about yourself. Telling yourself, "I’m not good at this," reinforces a fixed belief that your abilities are static and unchangeable. On the other hand, saying, "I’m learning how to get better at this" fosters a growth mindset—a belief that with effort, you can improve.
Research shows that people with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of challenges, more likely to persist in difficult tasks, and ultimately more successful. The key difference lies in the language they use. Growth-oriented individuals don’t shy away from phrases like "not yet" or "I’m working on it." They recognize that the journey matters as much as the destination.
Common Phrases That Hold You Back
Let’s take a look at some common phrases that might be holding you back without you even realizing it:
"I have to" → "I get to": Saying, "I have to go to work" makes it sound like a burden. Try changing it to, "I get to go to work." It shifts your mindset from resentment to gratitude, recognizing the opportunities you have.
"I can’t" → "I’ll try": "I can’t" is an absolute that leaves no room for growth. Replace it with, "I’ll try" or "I’ll give it my best shot," which creates space for possibility.
"I’m terrible at this" → "I’m learning": When you tell yourself you’re terrible at something, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, remind yourself that you’re in the process of learning. Progress takes time, and every expert was once a beginner.
Rewriting Your Inner Narrative
To change your mindset, you need to rewrite the internal story you’re telling yourself. Start by noticing the language you use, especially when you’re stressed or facing a challenge. Are your words helping you move forward, or are they holding you back?
A practical exercise to help with this is to keep a "language journal." For the next week, write down some of the negative phrases you find yourself using. Then, take a moment to rewrite those phrases into something more empowering. For example:
Negative: "I’ll never figure this out."
Reframe: "I haven’t figured this out yet, but I’m learning."
By simply adding "yet," you’re telling your brain that the story isn’t over—you’re still in the game.
Practical Tips for Shifting Your Mindset
Daily Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations that set a positive tone. Phrases like "I am capable," "I am growing every day," and "I can handle whatever comes my way" can help prime your brain to look for opportunities instead of obstacles.
Surround Yourself with Positive Language: The people around you matter. Surround yourself with individuals who use encouraging and uplifting language. Their positivity will influence your own inner dialogue.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you reframe a negative thought, celebrate it. Recognize your effort and growth. Over time, these small shifts will add up to a significant change in your mindset.
Conclusion: Small Words, Big Changes
Changing your words is a small but powerful step toward transforming your mindset. It’s not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing words that help you see your challenges in a new light—as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles that define you. The words you choose become the beliefs you hold, and those beliefs shape your entire life experience.
So start today. Choose words that empower you, words that remind you of your strength and potential. Rewrite your narrative, and watch as your mindset—and your life—begin to change.
Keep Going. Keep Pressing. You are doing amazing.
Nate Lucht
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