There’s a power in words.
Especially words spoken by us, about ourselves.
They manifest.
And when they manifest, they can either create or they can destroy.
Indeed, what we say to ourselves plays a critical role in either helping us or hurting us, in achieving success.
I have a question for you – how well do you choose your words about success? If someone eavesdropped on your self-talk, would they hear words of empowerment or words of limit?
It’s important to check this, because your success story hinges on your language. It’s your inner scorecard. And to optimize yourself for success, there’s a certain language that’s best to eliminate from your vocabulary.
Because our words become actions, which eventually becomes our destiny.
Knowing this, here are seven things to never say if you want to become financially free.
1. “You have to be lucky”
This is the crutch of the mediocre majority. They want to believe that success is about chance, like a spin of the roulette wheel. Either it happens or it doesn’t. It’s out of their control. This type of thinking relieves them of responsibility and relieves them of something else as well – the conquering confidence that comes when we take responsibility for success in our lives.
Say this instead: “Luck has nothing to do with it. Success comes to those who go out and make it happen.”
2. “It’s too late”
Nothing is permanent, even your mistakes. This is your life; shape it. It’s never too late to become what you might have been. Ray Kroc was a 52 year old milkshake machine salesman when he started McDonalds. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. You may not be there yet, but you are closer than you were yesterday.
Say this instead: “It’s never too late. My hard work has me on the path to success!”
3. “There’s no way”
Successful people always find a way, regardless of the circumstances. To say there’s no way implies that the person sees themselves as a victim; that they are powerless. These weak words will never allow someone to achieve greatness. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” Think you can. Believe you can.
Say this instead: “It’s my job to figure out a way to go over, under or around obstacles. I will not be stopped.”
4. “It’s not fair”
The biggest killer of success is a bad attitude. Remember, it’s not what happens to you, but how you respond to what happens to you. Successful people are proactive about issues versus reactive. Instead of complaining or whining, they take action.
Say this instead: “Things happen. It’s up to me to keep pressing on.”
5. “I might fail”
You might. And you must accept that. The problem with living with a fear of failure, is that you will never set high enough goals to matter. You won’t venture out and take the bold steps necessary to get there. It’s almost impossible to go thru life and not experience some type of failure. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team because his coach didn’t think he had enough skill. Warren Buffet, was rejected by Harvard University. Think of the opportunities you’ll miss if you let the fear of failure stop you.
Say this instead: “My success is too important to let the fear of failure get in the way.”
6. “I have to put my dreams on hold for now”
Life is short and there’s nothing to be gained for waiting to play a bigger game. What a regret it would be to grow old without ever realizing your full potential. Know this – the risk of staying in the nest is far worse than the risk that it takes to fly. Fly! Spread your wings. Start now.
Say this instead: “Now is the time. I take action every day to achieve my goals.”
7. “I don’t know enough”
Successful people don’t focus on the areas where they are lacking. They focus on their strengths and on using those strengths to make the biggest impact. Everyone has weaknesses or areas for improvement. Successful people don’t let their weaknesses get in the way of reaching their dreams. Optimize what you are and what you have, not what you don’t have. Gandhi said it best, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
Say this instead: “It doesn’t take brilliance to be successful, just hard work.”
Success is about what you are, what you do and as importantly, what you say. You’ve heard it and said it since you were a kid: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, words can certainly hurt a person. You see, your language completely defines who you are, what you will do, and the level of success you can achieve.
If the old saying “you are what you eat,” is true, then it is also absolutely true that “you are what you say.” Don’t let your own words hamper your success. Use the language of liberation and become financially free!
To your freedom,