James Carter
When someone talks in circles, you know they’re hiding something. When they use vague language, you can tell they’re unsure.
This is basic in the world of communication.
But there’s more to it than that.
The human mind is a fascinating labyrinth and to truly understand it, you need a discerning ear.
High-level thinkers are people who have mastered this art. They know what to say and crucially, what not to say.
They avoid certain phrases in everyday conversation, and psychology can explain why.
Let’s dive right into what these phrases are.
1) “I guess”
Guesswork is the realm of uncertainty.
We all have moments when we’re unsure, when we’re caught off guard, and we resort to phrases like “I guess” to fill in the blanks.
But high-level thinkers are different.
They steer clear of such phrases, not because they always have the answers, but because they’re comfortable with not having them.
“I guess” is a sign of ambiguity. It’s a sign of doubt.
And for high-level thinkers, doubt isn’t something to be skirted around with vague language.
It’s something to be acknowledged, explored, and used as a stepping stone towards clarity.
If you often find yourself saying “I guess”, it might be time to rethink your choice of words.
Embrace uncertainty and use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, think on a higher level.
Not so easy, right? But that’s what makes it interesting.
2) “Always” and “Never”
Ah, the absolutes. How often have I caught myself using these words!
In my early days of writing, I’d often make sweeping statements like “I always struggle with introductions” or “I never get dialogue right”.
But then, I realized something.
The use of “always” and “never” paints an absolute picture, one devoid of nuance and room for growth.
It’s as if I was setting myself up for failure, creating an unchangeable narrative about my skills.
High-level thinkers avoid these absolutes.
They understand that life isn’t black and white. It’s a spectrum of grays, filled with possibilities.
Now, instead of saying “I always struggle with introductions”, I say “I sometimes find introductions challenging”. It leaves room for improvement and growth.
It’s a simple change in phrasing but it has made a world of difference in my mindset and approach to writing.
And trust me, it can do the same for you.
3) “It’s not my fault”
Shifting blame is a common practice. It’s easier to point fingers at others than to accept our own mistakes.
But did you know that high-level thinkers rarely use the phrase “It’s not my fault”?
This isn’t about being a doormat or accepting blame for things beyond their control.
Rather, it’s about taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the role they play in different situations.
People who frequently use the phrase “It’s not my fault” are less likely to learn from their mistakes.
They’re also less likely to make positive changes in their behavior.
On the other hand, high-level thinkers acknowledge their mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
They understand that taking responsibility is the first step towards personal development and better decision-making.
The next time you’re tempted to say “It’s not my fault”, pause.
Reflect on your role in the situation and what you can learn from it. It could be a game-changer.
4) “That’s impossible”
The word ‘impossible’ is a powerful one. It has the ability to stop ideas and potential breakthroughs dead in their tracks.
High-level thinkers are aware of this and are cautious about using it.
Labeling something as ‘impossible’ is a definitive closure.
It leaves no room for exploration or creativity, which are crucial ingredients in problem-solving and innovation.
High-level thinkers instead use phrases like “That’s challenging” or “It’s difficult”.
This acknowledges the complexity of the situation without completely ruling out the possibility of finding a solution.
By avoiding the word ‘impossible’, they keep their minds open to new ideas and possibilities.
They understand that today’s impossibilities could be tomorrow’s breakthroughs, a mindset that fosters innovation and progress.
5) “I’m too busy”
“I’m too busy” is a phrase I’ve uttered more times than I care to admit.
It’s almost become a default response when I’m overwhelmed or when I want to avoid something.
But here’s what I’ve learned: high-level thinkers rarely use this phrase.
Why? Because they understand that being ‘too busy’ often means they’re not prioritizing effectively.
Instead of saying “I’m too busy”, they might say “I’ll need to assess my priorities” or “Let me see where I can fit this in”.
This shift in language reflects a proactive approach towards their time and responsibilities.
It shows that they’re in control of their schedules and are willing to make adjustments as needed.
Since realizing this, I’ve tried to catch myself each time I’m about to say “I’m too busy”.
It’s a work in progress, but it’s helping me take charge of my time and priorities.
6) “I know that”
Knowledge is power, but claiming to know everything is not a trait of high-level thinkers. They steer clear of the phrase “I know that”.
This might seem surprising. After all, isn’t it good to know things? Of course, it is.
But the key lies in understanding that there’s always more to learn.
When we say “I know that”, it indicates a closed mind, one that’s not open to new information or perspectives.
It can also come across as dismissive, hindering meaningful conversations and shared learning.
High-level thinkers prefer saying things like “That’s an interesting perspective” or “I hadn’t thought of it like that”.
It shows respect for others’ insights and keeps the door open for further learning and growth.
It’s a humbling reminder that no matter how much we know, there’s always more to learn.
7) “That’s just the way it is”
High-level thinkers avoid the phrase “That’s just the way it is”.
This phrase suggests acceptance of the status quo without any desire or effort to make improvements or changes.
High-level thinkers are generally curious and motivated individuals. They question the status quo and believe in their ability to bring about change.
They see problems as challenges to be solved, not as unchangeable facts of life.
Instead of “That’s just the way it is”, high-level thinkers might say “Let’s find a better way” or “There must be a solution”.
This fosters creativity, promotes problem-solving, and encourages a growth mindset. It’s all about challenging what is to create what could be.
8) “I can’t”
The most powerful phrase high-level thinkers avoid is “I can’t”.
This phrase is a self-imposed limit, a mental barrier that stops us from reaching our full potential.
High-level thinkers understand the power of the mind and the impact of our words on our mindset.
Instead of saying “I can’t”, they choose to say “I’ll find a way” or “I’ll learn how to”.
It’s a shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, from a defeatist attitude to one of perseverance and determination.
And ultimately, it’s this mindset that sets high-level thinkers apart.
Words are the mirrors of our minds
If you’ve come this far, you’ll realize that the words we choose in our daily conversations have a profound impact on our thinking.
High-level thinkers don’t just think differently. They speak differently, too.
They avoid phrases that limit them, discourage growth, or close the door to new possibilities.
And here’s a remarkable thing about language – it’s fluid and ever-changing, much like our minds.
The phrases we avoid today can be replaced with new ones tomorrow, shaping our thinking and our lives in ways we may not even realize.
Next time you catch yourself saying “I can’t” or “That’s impossible”, take a moment.
Reflect on what these phrases represent and consider how changing your words can change your mindset.
Our words are not just a reflection of our thoughts. They shape them. And in shaping our thoughts, they shape us.
Choose your words wisely. After all, they are the mirrors of our minds.
