WORDS TO ELIMINATE

Glossaries are lists that define words that readers encounter in a given text. They usually appear at the end of a book for reference. Because WORDS FUCKING MATTER is about the power of language, this glossary is different. This “anti-glossary” is a list of words and phrases you are not going to find anywhere in the text. Because I feel so strongly about the negative influence these words hold, and I do what I want, I’m putting the glossary first.?

I’ve said these things in the past and have ultimately eliminated them from my speech. I find them to be weak, wishy-washy, and passive. They do my language and action a disservice. This is only a small sampling!

SHIT WORDS THAT DO NOT SERVE

busy?

“Busy” doesn’t take skill. “Busy” is a state of being, not an action. It’s wheel-spinning. People take pride in how busy they are, checking emails, updating social media, and so on. We live in a world where you can be busy all the time. Being busy for its own sake doesn’t bring about any tangible results. It’s a trap. You can always find something to do, so there’s always a reason to put off what you need to get done.?

Don’t think about how BUSY you are. Instead, think about how PRODUCTIVE you can be. Being productive yields results; you get a satisfying product besides being busy.?

easy/hard?

Easy come, easy go. When situations in life are easy, we tend to dismiss them. We also use this word to dismiss the degree, importance, or significance of situations. We choose not to give them the time and attention necessary. Then we fail.?

Hard is an excuse we give ourselves to do what is necessary to live the life we want. Or conversely, we accomplish tasks and give them the credence of hard to glorify our accomplishments. None of these practices serve you.?

Instead, articulate the size, scope, or degree of a situation using simple and complicated. Simple tasks are still worthy of your time and attention to complete thoroughly. Complicated tasks give you a starting point. What can you do to simplify this insurmountable situation? Start by dissecting the complicated to simplify it.?

just?

When you use “just,” you’re justifying. You’re minimizing. You’re pre-apologizing for who you are. You’re not committed to what you’re saying. Look at the tonal difference between these two statements:?

“I just need to check in.”?

“I need an answer.”?

When you lose “just,” you’re being honest about your ideals. Google “just in business language” and you’ll find a treasure trove of articles on why “just” is so harmful in professional communication.?

mistake?

You don’t make mistakes. “Mistake” takes away personal accountability for the choices you make and gives credence to uncontrollable circumstances. You make choices. Choices focus on what you are in control of. Choices yield ? ? the results you want. Or they don’t. When that happens, you learn. Or you don’t. That’s the real choice: choosing to learn.?

should?

No should-ing on yourself. No should-ing on others. And no shouldn’t-ing all over the place.?

When you say “I should” to yourself, your mind is in a passive place. When you say “you should” to other people, you’re making suggestions or even decisions for them without fully understanding where they’re coming from. When you say “they shouldn’t,” who the fuck are you to judge? Unless you’ve got the whole picture, you’re not qualified to advise.?

Replace should with will. A mentor of mine says, “Will is an opportunity. I will do this thing, so I get that result. Will is an opportunity instead of an obligation.” Put another way, “should” is something negative. You don’t want to do it. Positivity naturally accelerates motivation. Will is optimistic, and it’s something you’re planning for.?

Should (obligation) ? Could (possibility) ? Can (opportunity) ? Will (commitment)?

(I’m) thinking/talking/trying?

When you start a sentence with one of these three “t” words, you’re lying to everyone within earshot, including yourself.?

“I’m thinking about going to the gym!” “I’ve been talking about losing weight.” “I’m trying to work out more.”?

You’re taking credit for an end state you haven’t actually reached. What have you done? Instead of “thinking,” “talking,” and “trying,” start sentences with what you have done and will do.?

“I joined a gym.”

“I’m going to lose weight.”

“I signed up for classes, met with a trainer, and enjoy doing new exercises.”?

This seemingly small change shifts perspective to action and activity. It refocuses to celebrate what you’ve accomplished, while still leaving room to be honest about your desired results. This allows you and others to ask follow-up questions about what your next actions steps are.?

These words don’t serve me—and they won’t serve you either. These are shit, wishy-washy words. They’re disqualifiers. Crutch words. They’re used to soften blows. That’s not what this book is about.?

You can only optimize your life when you cultivate your thoughts and speech.

Get your copy of "Words Fucking Matter" now:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7T5FY3P/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=words+fucking+matter+by+andy+weins&qid=1686695741&sr=8-1