“When we argue for our limitations, we get to keep them.” – Evelyn Waugh

If you’re dreaming big – whether as a creative, performer, entrepreneur, or anyone with a bold vision – then you already know this truth: your words shape your world.

In Part 1, I shared how certain words can quietly kill our creativity, confidence, and joy. Not just the words others say to us – but the words we say to ourselves.

And if you’ve ever wondered why a goal feels out of reach or why you stall just before momentum kicks in, chances are, it’s not your talent or ability holding you back. It’s your inner voice.

Here are six more dream-killing words and phrases to watch for. Each one may sound subtle – even reasonable – but together, they can quietly derail your goals and delay the life you’re meant to live.

Let’s rewrite the story.

6. “It’s hard”

Let’s be honest: dreams can be hard. But “hard” doesn’t mean “impossible.” When we label something as too difficult, we start shrinking our goals down to something safer, smaller, more manageable – and far less exciting.

You weren’t born to settle. Instead of saying, “It’s hard,” try:
“This will grow me.”
“I’m willing to figure it out.”

That’s how every breakthrough begins.

7. “Yes, but…”

This phrase pretends to be supportive, then pulls the rug out from under your progress.
“I’d love to launch my business, but I don’t have the time.”
“I really want to perform again, but I’m rusty.”

Every “yes, but…” is a dream shrinker. Replace it with:
“Yes, and…”
“I’m figuring out how.”

“Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, but Words Will Never Hurt Me.”

You’ve been lied to.

Maybe not intentionally, and probably by people who cared about you – teachers, parents, mentors. But still, it was a lie. And here it is:

“Words can’t hurt you.”

Not only can words hurt, but they have the power to shut down your dreams, limit your future, and slowly kill off your belief in what’s possible.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” – Proverbs 18:21

I’ve worked with countless people over the years – artists, performers, entrepreneurs – who carry the weight of words spoken to them decades ago. Words that made them feel small, incapable, or not good enough. Words that still echo in their minds when they think about taking a leap or chasing a big dream.

But here’s what’s even more dangerous: the words we say to ourselves.

Yes, those quiet phrases you whisper internally. The doubts. The hesitations. The excuses disguised as logic. These are the real dream killers.

Below are five words and phrases that sabotage progress and passion. Recognize them. Replace them. And you’ll begin unlocking momentum toward the life and work you truly want.

1. “Wishing and Hoping”

This might sound harmless but wishing and hoping often become passive substitutes for doing. You wish for success. You hope things turn around. But unless those feelings are backed by action, nothing changes.

“Wishing and hoping won’t get you into his arms…” – Dionne Warwick

The same goes for your goals: they won’t land in your lap. They require courage, consistency, and risk. Wishing is fine to start – but make sure it leads to action.

2. “Maybe”

“Maybe I’ll try someday.”
“Maybe I’ll put myself out there.”
“Maybe I’m just not ready.”

“Maybe” is a comfort zone in disguise. It gives you a way out. It allows you to feel like you’re considering something while avoiding any real decision. But no dream ever takes shape in the fog of “maybe.”

If you want to create a life of purpose and passion, swap “maybe” for a bold “yes” or a clear “no”—anything that moves you forward with intention.

I

n my coaching work, I meet so many driven, thoughtful people who are doing all the right things—they work hard, show up consistently, and genuinely want to grow.

They’re chasing goals, building careers, nurturing relationships… yet something still feels stuck. Progress is slow, motivation dips, and frustration creeps in.

When that happens, I usually pause and ask a few key questions that go straight to the heart of the issue:

• What are you tolerating in your life that’s keeping you from your goals?
• Are there people or situations draining your energy or blocking your joy?
• What “anchors” are weighing you down and stopping you from rising higher -personally or professionally?

These aren’t easy questions, but they’re powerful ones.

Because the truth is: we all put up with more than we realize.

We’ve Been Trained to Tolerate

Somewhere along the way, we learn to normalize discomfort.

We get used to saying “yes” when we want to say “no,” accept behavior that crosses our boundaries, and let guilt, fear, or fatigue call the shots.

We tolerate clutter – mental, emotional, and physical. We tolerate fear and anxiety.
We tolerate jobs that drain us.
We tolerate toxic relationships.
We even tolerate our own self-doubt and harsh inner voice.

And all of this comes at a cost.

The more we tolerate, the less energy, clarity, and confidence we have to go after what we truly want.

Step One: Start With Awareness

Before you can change anything, you have to see it.

So take a quiet moment and ask yourself this simple, powerful question: