'But' Reduction

Do you ever let your "buts" get in the way of living your dreams? I think we all fall into this at times.nn· I could have accomplished that, BUT... n· I know this relationship is not healthy for me, BUT... n· I would have such-and-such in my life, BUT... n· I really do believe in myself, BUT... n· I know I could do that if I put forth the effort, BUT... n· I'm really committed to losing this extra weight, BUT... n· I know I should start exercising again, BUT... n· I know my skills are worth more money and I should raise my fees, BUT... n· Ten minutes of daily meditation could really help me, BUT...

If we aren't careful, we can "but" ourselves right out of our own potential! Many times, we may not even be aware how often these excuses rear their ugly little heads in our lives. Make a mental note to be more consciously aware of any time this excuse comes up. One simple exercise is to change the BUT to the word AND. n· I know this relationship is not healthy for me, AND I have the self-love to do something about it. n· I know I could do that if I put forth the effort, AND I now have the courage to do it. n· I really do believe in myself, AND when negative self-talk gets in the way, I naturally replace it with a positive thought about myself. n· I'm really committed to losing this extra weight, AND I am now eating smaller portions of healthier foods. n· I know I should start exercising again, AND I will find a form of exercise that is gentle enough to do with my particular physical problem n· Ten minutes of daily meditation could really help me, AND I now get up a little earlier each day in order to give myself that gift.

Wow, look what a difference one little word makes! Using the word AND gives you the opportunity to be accountable to do something about it, instead of being a victim and putting the problem outside your control. Only you have the power to change your circumstances by changing your statement of them.

Try this exercise: list on paper any goals, dreams or projects that you are having trouble following through with or that you regret not accomplishing. See how often that feeling of “BUT I can't do that because...” comes up. Here's the fun part—simply discard the word BUT and replace it with AND, then complete the sentence with a positive ending. Simply put , BUT closes the door. AND opens the door. Now the door is open…trust yourself and walk through it!