The 5 Words Secretly Sabotaging Your Success (And How to Banish Them!)"
- bihagtrivedi
- Feb 12, 2025
- 3 min read

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut, running on a treadmill of “maybe-later” and “what-ifs”? Well, good news: the secret to turning your life into a dream-worthy masterpiece isn’t about adding more to your plate, it’s about subtracting. Specifically, these five sneaky words are probably sabotaging your success.
Let’s expose these linguistic troublemakers and kick them out of our vocabulary.
1. Should (a.k.a The Guilt Trip Mastermind)
“I should eat healthier.” “I should start my business.” “I should probably stop binge-watching crime documentaries at 3 AM.”
Sound familiar? Should is that annoying relative who keeps reminding you of all the things you’re supposed to do but never actually helps. It creates guilt without action. Instead, swap it for will or want to.
🔹 Try this: Instead of saying, “I should work out,” say, “I will go for a 30-minute walk today.” Boom. Instant action mode!
💡 Extra Tip: The more you say should, the more your brain associates it with obligation rather than choice. Replace it with affirming language that empowers you to take control of your actions.
2. But (a.k.a. The Dream Crusher)
“I want to follow my passion, but I need job security.” “I’d love to travel, but I don’t have the time.”
But is the bouncer at the door of your dreams, keeping you stuck in excuses? Swap it for and because, let’s be real, life isn’t an either-or situation.
🔹 Try this: Instead of “I want to be a writer, but I don’t have experience,” say, “I want to be a writer, and I will start by writing one article this week.” See? Now you’re in charge!
💡 Extra Tip: Start noticing how often you use but to limit yourself. You’ll be surprised how replacing it with and changes your perspective!
3. Maybe (a.k.a. The Indecision Gremlin)
Maybe is commitment’s worst enemy. It keeps you in limbo, waiting for the “perfect time” that never arrives. Life rewards decisive action, not maybes.
🔹 Try this: Instead of “Maybe I’ll start my side hustle,” say, “I am starting my side hustle this month.” Commitment mode: Activated.
💡 Extra Tip: When you remove maybe, you create clarity. Clear goals lead to clear actions, which lead to success!
4. Don’t (a.k.a. The Negativity Magnet)
The brain is weird it ignores the word don’t and focuses on whatever comes after it. Tell yourself “Don’t mess up,” and guess what? You’re already picturing failure.
🔹 Try this: Instead of “Don’t forget your keys,” say, “Remember your keys.” Simple switch, big impact.
💡 Extra Tip: This works wonders in parenting and leadership. Instead of “Don’t be late,” try “Be on time.” You’ll see a difference!
5. Can’t (a.k.a. The Dream Burglar)
“I can’t start a business.” “I can’t wake up early.” “I can’t dance.” (Okay, maybe, but still!)
The moment you say can’t, your brain shuts down solutions. The trick? Replace it with how can I? This forces your mind to look for possibilities.
🔹 Try this: Instead of “I can’t afford to travel,” ask, “How can I afford to travel?” Now you’re thinking creatively!
💡 Extra Tip: Every successful person started by asking “How can I?” instead of saying “I can’t.” Try it and see how your world expands!
Language shapes reality. The words you use influence your mindset, actions, and ultimately, your life. So, let’s Marie Kondo these five words out of existence and start talking like the dream-chasers we are.
Think about it: some of the most successful people in history didn’t let limiting words dictate their reality. They took risks, made bold moves, and embraced a can-do attitude. And guess what? So can you!
So, challenge yourself this week, pay attention to how often these words creep into your conversations, and replace them with more empowering alternatives. Small shifts in language can lead to massive shifts in reality.
Now go out there and create the life you will, and you are going to have. No maybes, no buts, and definitely no can’t.
Your dream life is waiting. Are you in?
---- BiH@g ( All © Reserved )



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