Watching my Facebook feed the last week of 2017, I saw a beautiful trend where people were choosing a word to define their intentions for a Happy New Year. READY is the word for Robyn Sandoval, Executive Director of AG & AG. She posted, “My word for 2018 is READY. Kiara is starting this year cancer free. Mike and I are starting this year collectively 165 lbs lighter. Julianna and I are set to have a record-shattering year for A Girl & A Gun. I’m ready to take it on. #itsOURyear”
I wasn’t able to settle on one word; instead I settled on the feeling to embrace change… READY or not. 2018 came and went, turns out we were ready for all the change and challenges that came our way.
Moving into 2019 you can choose your new word and set your intentions. Remember to also let go of these words or phrases that can hold you back!
Should…
When you’re saying that you should do something, you’re saying that you haven’t done something yet and you feel bad about yourself. When you tell others that they should do something, you are projecting to them that they have not met your expectations. Get rid of that word and either do the task you think you should do, or be okay with not doing it at all. Kelley Moore, who leads the AG & AG TFF MasterMind, says “Should is a shame tool. It only serves to shut someone (including yourself) down. How about you don’t should on me and I won’t should on you?”
But…
When you use the word but it negates whatever was said before it. For example, “I really shot well today, BUT I messed up that one target and didn’t reload very smoothly.” The second part nullifies the positive statement before it. It leaves the impression in the mind of the listener that you don’t think you did well or have confidence in your skills. Instead, drop the but and say, “I really shot well today and know what skills I am going to practice this month.”
Can’t…
Saying you can’t do something is a sure way to ensure your failure to achieve such a task. Like Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t –- you’re right.” Your mind will believe the words you say and the thoughts you think.
Hope…
When you say I hope you are subconsciously saying that you have no control over the situation. You’re essentially giving up your power to effect change. Replace “hope” with “know” to regain control. Don’t hope for things to be a certain way; know that they will be because you are working towards the end result.
Have…
Have to implies you don’t have control over your schedule or task and you’re a victim to whatever restriction has been placed on your time for that day. What are the consequences if you choose not to do something? What are the rewards if you choose to do it? Kelley Moore leads the #choosechallenge to replace I have to with I choose to. You don’t have to do anything. You CHOOSE to!
Try…
Like Yoda says, “Do or do not; there is no try.” When you say you’re going to try to do something, you’re telling yourself it’s okay if I don’t do it. If you tell someone that you will try to do something for them, what you are really saying is that I may not put you as a priority in my day. It’s okay to not do things, again, you get to choose what needs to be done everyday. Being a person of your word is challenging, so remove the word try from your vocabulary and replace it with “it’s on my to-do list.” You’ll feel much more empowered.
2 Responses
I absolutely love this advice! I am adding this to my daily plan and those 6 words will be eliminated from my vocabulary. I am ready for a change and a new challenge as I transform my thinking to transform my life!
I really like this. As a manager I think this translates to the work force so well.