Three Words I Never Want to Say Again

And One Phrase to Continue Saying

We get stuck. We are creatures of habit when it comes to the lexicon we use to describe our lives and the events that consume us. Sometimes it’s just easier to use the word or phrase that everyone else is using. It’s the shorthand that everyone understands but it’s also lazy. With so much new to celebrate, I hereby vow to never use three words again. And here they are…

1. Unprecedented is a word that cuts many ways. On the positive side, the word could mean something like, “She is taking unprecedented moves to save the company.” Then, there is the negative side as in, “His lack of homage to tradition is unprecedented.” For better or worse, the word has taken on that negative spin. Now, when I hear or use ‘unprecedented’ a cringe might come with it. To save my cringes, I am banning the word from my vocabulary.

2. New Normal is a catchall for how things work now or what we hope will be the way things are in the future. Get over it. We may never know the new normal. Besides, who wants to be normal? The words have also taken on that same negative tint as in, “We may not know what the new normal is but we sort of liked the old normal.” Think more in terms of “bright future” or “exciting times.”

3. Challenging is a word used in every communiqué from every CEO in the world. As in, “We’ve never been in a more challenging environment.” Tell us something we don’t know please. Everything is challenging. The 1000 piece puzzle I’ve been trying to put together during COVID is challenging. Getting my car to start on a really cold morning is challenging. Synonyms abound if the word is really necessary.

Take heed, removing these three words will lead to career success and personal fulfillment. One phrase I will continue to use, along with everyone else is, “You’re On Mute.” Yes, it too is over-used but I do want to hear what you have to say.