Words We Need to Stop Using to Live a Positive Life

Coach Paris
Apr 28
3 min read

Words We Need to Stop Using to Live a Positive Life

Words matter. The way we speak—to ourselves and others—shapes our mindset, our confidence, and ultimately, our success.

The problem? We use words every day that keep us stuck in negativity, self-doubt, and excuse-making without even realizing it.

It’s time to clean up our language and choose words that support the life we want to live, not sabotage it.

The Words That Hold You Back

🚫 “I can’t” – Nothing shuts down possibility faster than this word. Replace it with, “I’m working on it” or “I haven’t mastered it yet.” You may not be able to do something right now, but that doesn’t mean you never will.

🚫 “I’ll try” – Trying leaves room for doubt. It’s non-committal. Instead of “I’ll try to eat healthier” or “I’ll try to exercise,” say “I will” or “I am.” Action creates results, not half-promises.

🚫 “I should” – This word is loaded with guilt and pressure. I should work out. I should eat better. I should be further along. Instead, switch to “I choose to” or “I want to” and take back control.

🚫 “I’m just…” – Ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just not good at that” or “I’m just not a morning person”? That little word just minimizes you. Drop it and own who you are: “I’m learning,” “I’m growing,” “I’m figuring it out.”

🚫 “It’s too hard” – Hard? Maybe. Impossible? No. Instead of shutting yourself down, say “This is challenging, but I can figure it out.” The way we frame difficulty changes how we approach it.

🚫 “I’m not ready” – News flash: No one ever feels 100% ready. Growth happens when you start before you feel prepared. Instead, say “I’m taking the first step.” That’s how progress happens.

🚫 “I always” / “I never” – These absolutes lock you into fixed thinking. “I always fail,” “I never stick with anything.” Are those statements really true? Instead, shift to “I’m working on being more consistent” or “I’m building new habits.”

🚫 “ACTUALLY” – This one sneaks into our conversations and undermines us without us even realizing it.➡️ “I actually did my workout today!” (Wait… were you surprised you followed through?)➡️ “I actually ate healthy all week!” (Why the doubt?)

Stop adding hesitation to your accomplishments. Own them! Instead, say:✔️ “I worked out today.”✔️ “I ate healthy all week.”

Drop the “actually” and stand in your power.

One of my favorite mindset shifts is changing “I have to” into “I get to.”It’s simple, but it’s powerful.Instead of thinking, "I have to exercise," shift it to "I get to exercise and take care of my body."Instead of "I have to pay my bills," try "I get to pay my bills and provide for my life."

This small change reminds us that the things we have to do are often privileges. They are opportunities, not burdens.It moves us out of obligation and into gratitude — and gratitude changes everything.

The Words That Move You Forward

✅ “I can.”✅ “I am.”✅ “I choose.”✅ “I will.”✅ “I’m learning.”✅ “I get to.”

Small shifts in language create big shifts in mindset. The way you talk to yourself matters. So if you want to live a more positive, powerful life, start by changing the words you use every day.