Closing the 18-Inch Gap Podcast-EP057: Undermining Your Confidence And Success Stops Now!

Words can be deceiving. Some words are flat out energy drainers, and I will be pointing some out. Two words I am learning to be very careful of are: "always" and "never".

These words can and in fact will diminish trust and credibility because they imply absolutes, which are rarely true in real-life situations. When you are trying to get ahead and make your dreams come true, the very words you use can make or break you even if you are not noticing these words. The changes can be very subtle but have a lasting impact on your progress.

When you are on a journey to achieve your dreams, you don't need anything to slow you down or make your journey even longer than it may already be. The words you use or are used when someone is communicating with you will have a significant impact on your progress. So today I will be diving into a list of 15 other words and expressions that will do just that, and I will also explain why this is the case.

Quote of the week: "There is power in words. What you say is what you get." Zig Ziglar

Points covered:

Ok so the first word I want to explore is:

1. "Guarantee"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Unless you're offering a legally backed, unconditional guarantee, using this word can make you seem disingenuous.

2. "Honestly"

· Why it diminishes credibility: When someone prefaces a statement with "honestly," it can create doubt—why emphasize honesty unless there's a reason to question it?

3. "Trust me"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Trust is something that must be earned through actions, not commanded through words. If you have to tell someone to trust you, it can make them wonder if there's a reason they shouldn't.

4. "Should"

· Why it diminishes credibility: "Should" can come across as preachy or judgmental, making people feel pressured rather than empowered. It suggests a rigid approach rather than individualized guidance.

5. "But"

· Why it diminishes credibility: The word "but" often negates whatever came before it. For example, "I really appreciate your effort, but..." makes the praise feel insincere. It can create resistance and defensiveness in conversations.

6. "Try"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Saying "try" can make your message sound uncertain or noncommittal, as in "I'll try to do that" or "You should try this." It lacks the confidence that inspires trust.

7. "Maybe"

· Why it diminishes credibility: "Maybe" introduces uncertainty and a lack of confidence. If you're unsure about something, your audience may feel uneasy trusting your guidance.

8. "Guess"

· Why it diminishes credibility: A "guess" suggests a lack of knowledge or expertise. People seek life coaches for clear, well-informed guidance, not speculation.

9. "Probably"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Like "maybe," the word "probably" introduces doubt. It suggests that you aren't fully convinced of your own advice.

10. "Just" (as in minimizing statements)

· Why it diminishes credibility: When used to downplay a statement, "just" can make advice sound unimportant or trivial.

11. "Hopefully"

· Why it diminishes credibility: "Hopefully" sounds passive and uncertain. People want confidence and certainty from a coach, not wishful thinking.

12. "Sort of"

· Why it diminishes credibility: This phrase weakens your statements, making them seem vague and uncertain.

13. "Might"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Similar to "maybe" and "probably," "might" weakens statements and reduces confidence in your advice.

14. "Thing"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Using vague words like "thing" instead of specific terms makes statements less impactful and authoritative.

15. "Fine"

· Why it diminishes credibility: Saying something is "fine" sounds lukewarm and noncommittal. It lacks enthusiasm and certainty.

Did anything resonate with you? Do you want to explore deeper how I can help you with this topic? If so, reach out to me and let me know. Simply send me an email to edwin@edwinsoler.com and let me know what your question is and how we can connect.

I always offer a free, complementary, coaching session where we can explore how I can help you and you can see coaching action for yourself.

If this was your first time, I'm glad you're listening, and I hope you can come back for more podcast episodes. In the meantime, feel free to listen to all the previous ones I have. You can find them in your favorite podcast directory. I can't wait to be here with you next week but until then keep closing that 18- inch gap!