Ever wondered how some folks just seem to nail it every time?

It isn’t always about what they do. Sometimes, it’s about what they don’t do – especially when it comes to the words they use.

Believe it or not, the words we choose can make a huge difference in our success.

Successful people get this. They’re super careful about their words, understanding that what they say can shape their thoughts, feelings and actions.

In this article, we’re dishing out 10 phrases that you won’t hear from highly successful people. These are phrases that might be slowing you down without you even realizing.

1. “I can’t”

Ever heard the phrase “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”? It’s a gem from Henry Ford, and it perfectly captures why successful people steer clear of the phrase “I can’t”.

Saying “I can’t” is like putting up your own roadblock. It’s a self-imposed limit that stops you from even trying. Successful people understand this and instead use phrases like “I’ll figure it out” or “I’ll find a way”.

“I can’t” closes the door on possibilities, while its alternatives keep the door open. And who knows? The solution may be just around the corner.

2. “It’s not my fault”

Highly successful people rarely utter the phrase “It’s not my fault”. Instead, they take responsibility for their actions and their outcomes.

Sure, it’s easier to blame others when things don’t pan out as planned. But this sort of thinking won’t get you far. By accepting responsibility, you’re acknowledging that you have the power to influence your circumstances.

The next time something goes wrong, resist the temptation to point fingers. Consider what you could have done differently and use it as a learning experience.

With this mindset, even your mistakes can pave the way to success!

3. “I’ll do it later”

This one hits home for me. I remember a time when “I’ll do it later” was my go-to phrase. Whether it was exercising, working on a project, or even doing chores, I always told myself I’d do it later.

But here’s the thing: ‘later’ often turned into ‘never’. Before I knew it, tasks piled up, deadlines were missed, and stress levels shot through the roof.

Successful people are aware of this trap. They understand that the best time to do something is usually now. By tackling tasks head-on rather than putting them off, they stay ahead of the game.

So take it from me – ditch the “I’ll do it later” mentality. Embrace the power of now, and watch your productivity soar!

4. “That’s impossible”

Ever heard of Roger Bannister? He’s the guy who broke the 4-minute mile – a feat that was considered “impossible” until he did it in 1954. Now, it’s commonplace for professional middle-distance runners.

This example perfectly illustrates why successful people never say “That’s impossible”. They know that declaring something impossible is just another way of saying “I won’t even try.”

Instead, they embrace the seemingly impossible as a challenge to overcome. They understand that the limits we perceive are often just in our minds. So the next time you’re faced with a daunting task, remember Roger Bannister and his 4-minute mile.

Nothing is truly impossible until you’ve given it your all!

5. “I don’t need help”

There’s a certain beauty in vulnerability, in admitting that we don’t have all the answers. Successful people understand this. They know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.

The phrase “I don’t need help” can be a barrier to growth and success. It can keep you from learning new things, understanding different perspectives, and building valuable relationships.

Remember, it’s okay not to know everything. It’s okay to ask for help. We’re all human, after all. We’re wired to connect, to lend a hand and to seek help when needed.

6. “I’m not good enough”

This phrase is a personal one for me. There was a time when I used to tell myself, “I’m not good enough,” every time I faced a challenging situation or made a mistake. It was like a broken record playing in my mind, and it took a toll on my self-confidence.

However, I quickly realized something crucial: successful people don’t do this. They don’t belittle themselves or let self-doubt cloud their judgment. Instead, they believe in their abilities and acknowledge that making mistakes is a part of the learning process.

The phrase “I’m not good enough” can paralyze you and prevent you from reaching your full potential. So, do yourself a favor and replace it with “I can learn,” “I can improve,” or “I can handle this”. Trust me, this simple shift in mindset can make a world of difference.

7. “It’s too hard”

Let’s get real here. Life can be ridiculously tough sometimes. We’ve all faced challenges that seem towering, problems that look unsolvable, times when we’ve muttered to ourselves, “It’s just too hard.”

But here’s the honest truth: saying “it’s too hard” won’t make it any easier. In fact, it’ll probably make it feel even harder.

Successful people get this. They know that difficulty is a part of the journey, not a roadblock. They understand that the things worth having often require hard work, resilience, and a fair bit of grit.

So next time you’re faced with a tough situation, don’t let “it’s too hard” become your mantra. Instead, tell yourself “I can handle this,” roll up your sleeves and dive in. Because at the end of the day, the sweetest victories often come from the hardest battles.

8. “I don’t have time”

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Yet, some people seem to accomplish so much more than others. How? They never say “I don’t have time.” Instead, they say “I’ll make time.”

Successful people understand that time is a precious resource, and it’s up to them how they choose to use it. They prioritize, plan and manage their time effectively. They make time for what truly matters to them.

Saying “I don’t have time” is often an excuse we use when we don’t want to do something or when we fail to manage our time well.

9. “I’m a failure”

I’ve been there, trust me. After a string of unsuccessful job applications, I found myself thinking, “I’m a failure”. It was a tough pill to swallow.

But then, I read about some of the most successful people in the world – and guess what? They’d all faced failure, too. Walt Disney was fired for lacking creativity. Oprah Winfrey was told she wasn’t fit for television. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before it became a global phenomenon.

The difference is, these people never defined themselves by their failures. They saw failure as a stepping stone, not as a dead-end. Failure wasn’t their identity; it was just part of their journey to success.

So now, whenever I face failure, I remind myself that it’s not the end of the world. It’s just an opportunity to learn and grow.

10. “I should have”

Regret is a heavy burden to carry, isn’t it? The “I should haves” can haunt you, keeping you stuck in the past and robbing you of the joy of the present.

Successful people don’t dwell on the past. They don’t waste their energy on the “I should haves”. Instead, they focus on the now and the future, on what they can do and will do.

We all make mistakes. We all have things we wish we’d done differently. But constantly replaying our missteps like a bad movie won’t change anything. It just drains our energy and dampens our spirit.

So let go of the “I should haves”. Learn from them, sure, but don’t let them chain you to the past. As they say, life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.