3 Conditional Statements Smart People Never Say
Words have trajectory.
Listen to the words coming out of your mouth and ask what do conditional statements say about your thinking. Where do conditional statements take you?
Conditional statements stand between you and the life you hope to enjoy.
3 conditional statements smart people never say:
#1. If I had:
A deceptive “if” is weight on your heart.
- If I had better co-workers…
- If I had a better job…
- If my boss was helpful…
Don’t let a deceptive “if” erode opportunities.
#2. I’ll be happy when:
“When” statements postpone action until conditions are right.
- I’ll be happy when I get a promotion.
- I’ll be happy when I’m outta here.
- I’ll be happy when you leave me alone.
Some words are excuses for inaction. If you say, “I’ll be happy when,” you aren’t happy now and you won’t be happy “when” either.
#3. I’m too and it’s too:
Don’t let “too” blot out your future.
Avoid saying opportunity passed by and you missed it. Self-pity in the form of “I’m too” is an excuse to not begin.
- I’m too old/young.
- I’m too tired.
- It’s too late.
“I’m too” is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Before too long you’ll be saying, I knew I couldn’t.
What conditional statements solidify the present?
Words You Don’t Say But Should
“Be it ever so humble, it is never too late.” Reader’s comment after finishing our new book, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership.
Order The Vagrant:
I would add any statement made followed by “or else”. Unless you actually plan to follow through on the “or else” you are seen as weak and one that does not follow through on their actions.
Thanks Jim. An “or else” never motivated me when I was a kid. 🙂
Love the statement, “Words have trajectory.” Maybe even say, “People have trajectory; words simply show the direction.”
Thanks Anothony. I love geeking out about words. Maybe words give trajectory to people. Or words reveal life’s trajectory?
I do like the idea that words are so powerful they have trajectory. But, the other side is, you can say all you want, but action changes things.
Dan, Just to say, you have really kicked the rhemma up a notch! God bless you during this season. Love you brother.
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Mary Kay Ash (founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics). It really *is* mostly about the mindset. And that’s why words matter: they reflect your mindset.
Thanks Jennifer. The most important words we hear are the ones we say to ourselves.
“I’m just a (fill in the blank). “Just” is a limiting word that devalues what you bring to the world.
I use that sometimes, Sharon. “I’m just a” farm boy from Central Maine. “I’m just a country boy” who lives in Pennsylvania.
I feel the difference between…
1. I’m just doing my best.
2. I’m doing my best.
Great article. Even when the words are not spoken, one must check to see if they are the silent energy that is running the show. That has to be cleared, too!
Thanks Rosalie. I’m so glad you brought up energy. It’s an important topic that’s often overlooked.
Another possible addition: Because I said so… It shows limiting thinking that refuses to look at other options. A very close minded position that often closes down other people’s initiative and innovation.
Thanks Cheryl. Oh that’s a good one. I suppose it’s hard to avoid when you have all the answers! 😉
My Dale Carnegie class leader would always interrupt a speaker and follow up an “I think” comment with the saying, “Do you think…or do you know” – that immediately shifted the attitude of the solution to the action the speaker was trying to portray.
Thanks Jeff. Powerful!
Um. Hear? or Here?
“I’ll be happy when I’m outa hear.”
Also isn’t outta usually 2 t’s?
🙁 Sorry for pointing it out.
Much appreciated, Naomi. I always appreciate help with spelling and grammar.
Thanks Dan. I hesitated to post because I know some people don’t appreciate it. Please feel free to delete these comments if you wish.
It’s all part of the journey. Thank goodness this isn’t a grammar blog. 🙂
I agree. We shouldn’t let our own words put us in bondage and limit our opportunities.