Words are potent. They can build, and they can break. They can empower, and they can belittle.

As women, we know this to be true. We’ve grown up being told to watch our words, to speak softly but carry a big stick. But what happens when the stick is our words?

Over time, I’ve realized that the way we speak plays a crucial role in how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.

And there are certain phrases that, as strong women, we should never let slip from our lips.

It’s not about being perfect or having a flawless vocabulary. It’s about cultivating strength, self-worth, and power through our speech.

In this article, I’ll share with you 6 eight phrases strong women will never use in a conversation.

This isn’t about creating rules or imposing restrictions. It’s about empowering ourselves through mindful communication and understanding the implications of our words.

1) “I can’t do that”

Let’s start with this one. It’s quite common, right? We’ve all said it at some point.

But here’s the thing: it’s a phrase that does nothing but limit our own potential.

As strong women, we are well aware of our abilities and aren’t afraid to push our boundaries. We understand that challenges can be overcome with resilience, effort, and a bit of creativity.

We might say, “I need help with this,” or “I’m still learning how to do that,” but we will never outright declare that we can’t do something.

This isn’t about blind optimism or an unrealistic view of our abilities. It’s about acknowledging our growth potential and refusing to place self-imposed barriers on ourselves.

2) “I’m not good enough”

Here’s a phrase that I used to say often, “I’m not good enough”. It would creep into my thoughts, my conversations, tainting my interactions with a shade of self-doubt.

The truth is, it took a lot of internal work to eliminate this phrase from my vocabulary. But I did it because I realized that every time I said it, I was reinforcing an unhelpful and untrue belief about myself.

Now, I’ll opt for “I’m a work in progress”. It highlights the potential for growth rather than impossibility.

Strong women understand that everyone has shortcomings, and it’s okay not to be perfect. We are continuously growing and learning.

The key is to shift our focus from our perceived inadequacies to our potential for growth. We’re all about self-improvement and acknowledging our worth.

And guess what? We’re more than good enough just as we are.

3) “It’s all my fault”

Let me take you back to a time when I was in a heated conversation with a close friend. We were both upset, both at fault, but I remember distinctly saying, “It’s all my fault”. It was my go-to phrase whenever things went south.

Over time, I realized that this was a self-defeating practice that didn’t serve me or the situation at hand. It was a way of taking on unnecessary guilt and responsibility.

As competent women, we’re accountable for our actions, but we also understand that it takes two to tango. We don’t shoulder blame for situations that are clearly not entirely our doing.

So, from personal experience, let me tell you: retiring the phrase “It’s all my fault” is liberating. It allows you to take responsibility without burdening yourself with unwarranted guilt.

4) “I don’t have time”

The phrase “I don’t have time” is one that almost everyone has uttered at some point. Now, here’s a fact – we all have the same 24 hours in a day. The difference lies in how we choose to spend it.

Time management is crucial for us. We prioritize our commitments and make room for what’s important. We know that saying “I don’t have time” is often a disguise for “it’s not a priority”.

Instead of dismissing something with a quick “I don’t have time”, we might say, “Let me reorganize my schedule” or “I’ll find a way to fit it in”. It’s about taking control of our time and not letting it control us.

Just imagine the difference it makes when we shift from “I don’t have time” to “I’ll make time”. It’s a small change in language that carries a powerful shift in mindset and approach.

5) “I should have done better”

We’ve all been there, right?

A situation doesn’t go as planned, and we find ourselves saying, “I should have done better”. It’s a phrase that’s filled with regret and self-doubt.

But here’s the thing: mistakes and setbacks are a part of life. They are opportunities for growth, not reasons for self-deprecation. We learn from them, we grow from them but we don’t let them define our worth.

Resilient folks focus on the future, on what can be done, rather than dwelling on what should have been.

Trust me when I say that eliminating the phrase “I should have done better” from your vocabulary can be a game-changer.

It encourages a growth mindset and fosters self-compassion. After all, we’re all human and we’re doing the best we can.

6) “I’m just lucky”

How many times have we downplayed our achievements by attributing them to luck? “I’m just lucky,” we say, brushing off our success as if it were just a roll of the dice.

A strong woman recognizes her hard work and efforts. She understands that her accomplishments are the result of her persistence, determination, and resilience. Sure, luck may play a part sometimes, but it’s not the primary driver of success.

Trying saying “I worked hard for this”. It’s an affirmation of the effort and dedication. It’s a testament to our strength and unwavering determination.

Remember, ladies, we’re not ‘just lucky’. We’re capable, strong, and deserving of every bit of our success.

Let’s own it and wear it with pride. It’s the least we can do for ourselves.

A final word

Language is powerful. It shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and ultimately, our actions. As resilient, competent women, we should be mindful of the phrases we use and the impact they have on us and those around us.

This isn’t about policing our language or striving for linguistic perfection. Instead, it’s about recognizing how our words reflect our mindset and self-perception. It’s about choosing phrases that empower us, make us feel confident, and reflect our true worth.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small steps – by replacing a negative phrase with a positive one or by choosing to speak with self-assurance instead of self-doubt.

Over time, these small changes can lead to significant shifts in our mindset and behavior.

So, take a moment to reflect on the phrases you often use. Do they lift you up or pull you down? Do they reflect your strength and resilience? If not, it might be time to let them go.

Let’s start choosing words that uplift us, empower us, and truly reflect our worth!