The Power of Language
Language isn’t just about communicating with others—it has a profound effect on how we think, feel, and act. Words shape our reality, from how we perceive ourselves to how we interact with the world. In fact, research shows that language influences both our mindset and neural patterns. Dr. John K. Pollock, a prominent psychologist, has found that the way we speak directly affects our neurological wiring. Positive language strengthens neural pathways, while negative language can reinforce limiting beliefs, stifle growth, and hinder personal development.
Source: Dr. John K. Pollock, “The Power of Language in Shaping Your Reality,” Harvard Psychological Review, 2021.
When I was first introduced to the power of language at a seminar in California, I was astounded by how common phrases we all use daily were being re-framed to encourage a more empowered mindset. The speaker said, “Money isn’t the root of all evil; the love of money is.” This shifted my perspective on many things I had unconsciously accepted. But my real breakthrough came during my NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) training, where I learned that the words we speak directly influence our reality.
During my NLP sessions, we were taught to catch and correct contradictions in our language, as they reflect deeper, often unexamined beliefs. For example, if I declared a goal but said something like “I’d love to do this but…” that immediately sends mixed signals to my subconscious. NLP helped me to be intentional and deliberate with my language, and that’s something I now pass on to my clients.
There’s no greater compliment than when clients say, “I wasn’t on your call, but I could hear your words inside my head,” or “I’m catching myself so much more every day and even teaching these linguistic patterns to my kids. Game changer!” The results speak for themselves.
In this article, we won’t go over an exhaustive list of words to eliminate, but I will share 11 common words or phrases to watch out for. Incorporate them into your daily life, check in with them for 30 days, and watch how your mindset shifts and your results improve. Start with one word per day or week—do what feels right for you!
11 Words and Phrases to Eliminate for a Mindset Transformation
- But > And
Saying “but” cancels out everything before it. Instead, replace it with “and” to expand possibilities:- “I want this AND I’m going to find a way to make it happen.”
- “I’d love to, AND I will consider it next time.”
- Understand > Get it
If you don’t “understand,” you’re merely in a state of learning. Change your mindset to:- “Keep going until you get it.”
This keeps you focused on learning, not frustration.
- “Keep going until you get it.”
- Confident > Competent
We often say we lack confidence, but we’re all confident in something we’ve practiced. Replace “confidence” with “competence”:- “I’m confident in my ability to learn.”
- “I will develop competence in this new area.”
- Perfect > Do your best
Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on doing your best:- “I will do my best today, and that’s enough.”
- Try > Do your best
“Try” gives you an easy out. To be more committed:- “I will do my best to achieve this goal.”
You’ll feel more accountable to your intentions.
- “I will do my best to achieve this goal.”
- Confused > I’m about to learn something
Rather than getting stuck in confusion, view it as a learning opportunity:- “I’m about to learn something new.”
This primes your brain to seek solutions and growth.
- “I’m about to learn something new.”
- I should, I must, I have to > I choose to, I could, I want to
“Should” and “have to” put the power outside of you. Reclaim your agency with:- “I choose to take this action.”
- “I want to do this task today.”
- Hard > Effort-filled
“Hard” can feel discouraging. Replace it with “effort-filled” to focus on the journey:- “This is an effort-filled task, and I will give it my best.”
- Right > Effective
Being “right” doesn’t always lead to success. Instead, focus on being effective:- “I will focus on being effective in my approach.”
- Nice > Kind
“Nice” can sometimes feel superficial. When describing a behavior, shift to “kind”:
- “He was kind and thoughtful.”
- Negative words > Say it how you mean it
Stop using double negatives or vague language. Be clear and direct:
- “I feel great today” instead of “I’m not too bad.”
Why This Matters: The Neuroscience Behind Language
The words we use don’t just describe our world; they create it. Neuroscience studies show that positive language activates neural circuits that promote confidence and cognitive functioning, while negative words can activate stress responses and limit brain plasticity. Language shapes the way we perceive the world, and ultimately, how we show up in it.
Source: Dr. Andrew Newberg, “Words Can Change Your Brain,” 2014.
By replacing negative or limiting words with empowering alternatives, you actively shift your mindset, rewire your brain for success, and begin seeing more opportunities. This simple but powerful shift in language can radically change your life, business, and relationships.
Ready to Elevate Your Mindset?
If you’re ready to expand your life and business beyond your current limitations, consider implementing these linguistic shifts into your daily routine. For deeper transformation and to explore how to elevate your mindset, be at your best, and radically expand your life through language and beyond, reach out to us at Abundance Academy. Our tailored programs are designed to help you align your inner dialogue with the success you desire.
Schedule a call to apply and see what the best fit is for you!
