Summary: Lately, I have been thinking more and more about the words I use, and the words I don’t use anymore. The old saying of “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a lie. Let’s face it — words matter. The words that you use say a lot about what you and your company stands for. That’s why not only individuals are being condemned for what they say on social media, but businesses are also subject to the same standards for their choice of words, as well. There are some words that people just shouldn’t use because they make others feel bad, and then there are others that you shouldn’t use because they just don’t make any sense. Whether you are an individual or a business, the same rules apply to you.<br> So, here are the six words that I no longer use in my vocabulary, and the reasons why I have stopped using them:<br> <br> Aspiring<br> This is my least favorite word in the English language. Stop trying to do what you have always wanted to do, and just be what you want to be. I have previously used the word “aspiring” when I wanted to become a writer, but now I am a writer. I used to be an aspiring entrepreneur, but now I am an entrepreneur. What’s the difference? I stopped using the word “aspiring” and decided to take action. Individuals and businesses, stop saying you want to do something, and instead begin working towards your goals of being what you want to be. Stop aspiring, and start doing.<br> Failure<br> I talked about this word last week, but I still don’t like it. “I’m a failure.” “We are doomed for failure.” “You are a failure.” Pick any sentence that you want to — it doesn’t sound good in any context. “I made some mistakes.” “We made some mistakes.” “You made some mistakes.” Mistakes can be fixed and learned from, and failure…well, failure is doomed for failure. Do us all a favor and please find another word to use instead of this dreadful one. You are never a failure and your business is never a failure either, so stop speaking and acting like one.<br> Hate<br> I’m referring to using this word in the context of hating things that don’t deserve one of the harshest words in the English language.When using this word for no good reason, it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. I know I can’t be the only person that feels this way. If you or your company uses this word for marketing materials, or even just lingo around the office, please find another word. Fill in the blank: “I hate _____.” However you finished that sentence to describe something that doesn’t deserve the word, it sounds bad. I had to stop using it when I heard other people use it, and would play the sentence on repeat inside my head for days on end. Maybe it’s something I heard from another kid when I was growing up and it has stuck with me for this many years, but whatever it is, the word doesn’t sit well with me. “I despise”, “I don’t like”, “I really don’t like”, “I loathe”, “I detest” — take your pick. Just about any word is better than hate.<br> Impossible<br> I used to use this word a lot, but I found that it defeats any attempt that I am getting ready to make, before I even begin. Remember, words are powerful. “You know, people have told me that it’s impossible, but I am maybe going to give it a try.” sounds a lot worse than, “I know that I can do this, because I have been preparing for this moment for years. It’s definitely possible.” If you are working within your strength set, and have been working towards your goals like we talk about repeatedly, then nothing you do is impossible. In fact, it’s most likely probable.<br> Fearless<br> Lately,
