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The words we use affect how we feel and act. In this post we will review nine everyday substitutions you can use to make you stronger and more confident.

1. Instead of saying, “I’ll try” say, “I will” or “I want to”

Why?: “Try” is a negative word. When you say that you have tried something in the past, usually this means that you did not succeed. Trying leaves a lot of room for the possibility of failure, and may lead your brain down a dead-end path. On the other hand, doing something and wanting it are both positive actions.

2. Instead of saying, “I don’t have...” say, “I want” or “I wish” or “I’ll do my best to”

Why?: No matter how you use it, “don’t” is a negative. Whenever you can choose a positive phrase instead of a negative one, choose the positive one. I want to have friends so that I can… is a far more hopeful statement than I don’t have........

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