Delete Negative Thinking

Three Phrases to Delete for Success

Writing on a computer offers two special tools to take out the unnecessary words – the backspace key and the delete key.

The backspace key allows us to “do over” mistyped words. And the delete key helps us to edit the words that aren’t necessary. These are powerful tools to lean on in our conversations, especially the ones we have with ourselves. Backspacing and deleting words can help you focus and create a better mindset, which ultimately results in success.

So, what are the words to delete for success? There are too many individual words, but I will give you a good list to work with and as you work on this list, you’ll begin to see patterns and how other words masquerade as these common phrases. Let’s get started.

If I could only…

get to the next step, have not made that mistake, have better resources. This statement “if I could only” is negative and gives you no confidence in your abilities or future. So, let’s just delete it. What do you replace it with? Here are a few ideas:

• I will get to the next step by doing this, this and this by this date.
• If I had not made that mistake, I wouldn’t know this and this. I will use this knowledge to do this and this by this date.
• I will work with the resources I have and plan to have better resources by this date. The steps I will take to accomplish this are X, Y and Z.

The secret words here are “I will” and “do this.” Aren’t those words already generating success steps in your head? Good, now let’s delete some more success defeaters.

I can’t possibly…

make that much money, come up with that kind of cash, take that kind of risk. This statement always begs the simple question, “Why not?” Are you physically unable? Are you scared? Are you compromising your values? I’d say that unless you are physically unable (in a coma, perhaps) or the move compromises your values (you’ll never feel good about it), then you can’t possibly do anything unless you do it. Know what happens if you do?

You might make that much money, raise that kind of cash or take that risk and wait for it…SUCCEED. If you don’t make it, you will learn how to do it better next time. Let’s leave this ugly phrase at the curb and replace it with a simple “I can.”

I assume…

This statement is dangerous and negative and means you don’t have enough information to make a solid decision or statement about whatever you’re discussing or doing. So kill it off. Delete it. Burn it. Don’t let it leave your lips. Get the information you need to make informed decisions or just say “I don’t know, but I will find out.”

Here are a few more that just breathe negativity and need to be put away for good – maybe, can’t, but, should, never, won’t, try.

Know what’s bad about these words? They conjure up negativity. They introduce a condition or hurdle. They don’t make a commitment. Ultimately, they restrict you from success.

Who needs them? You don’t. I can guarantee if you delete these words from your vocabulary and self-talk that you’ll have a better day, better year and more success.