“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.”

8. “I should…”

“I should write more.”
“I should be farther along.”
“I should be better at this by now.”

Nothing drains motivation faster than the guilt of “should.” These words rarely inspire – they shame. And shame never builds dreams; it buries them.

Instead of “I should,” say:
“I choose to…”
“I want to…”
“I’m learning to…”

Shift the energy. Take ownership. Reclaim your power.

9. “Tomorrow…”

“Tomorrow I’ll start.”
“Tomorrow I’ll commit.”
“Tomorrow I’ll take the leap.”

Sound familiar? The danger of “tomorrow” is that it always feels like a safe bet – until one day, you realize you’ve run out of tomorrows.

Research shows one of the top regrets of the dying is not going for what they truly wanted – because they were waiting for the perfect time.

The perfect time doesn’t exist. Start now. Start small. Start messy. But start today.

10. “If only…”

“If only I had started earlier…”
“If only I had more support…”
“If only I were younger, richer, more confident…”

These words trap you in the past, keeping you stuck in regret instead of possibility. Reflection is useful – but only if it moves you forward.

Try this instead:
“What can I do now?”
“What’s still possible?”

Because something amazing might still be waiting for you.

11. “Survive”

We’ve all said it:
“I’m just trying to survive this week.”
“I’m surviving, just getting by.”

But you weren’t born just to survive. You were born to create, lead, and live fully. If your focus is survival, your energy stays in survival mode. If your focus is growth, opportunity, and creativity, your life rises to meet it.

As the old disco song says, “You were born – born to be ALIVE!”

Let’s stop playing it safe and start living on purpose.

Final Thought: Take Your Words Back

Your words are not just expressions – they’re instructions to your brain. They either reinforce your limitations or ignite your potential.

So today, start listening to what you’re telling yourself. Are your words building your dreams or burying them?

Swap the “killer words” for life-giving ones. Let your language reflect your courage, not your fear. Speak in a way that energizes action and fuels belief. Because when you change your words, you change your direction.

You’re not here to survive your goals.
You’re here to achieve them.
You’re here to live them.
Because you were born – born to be alive.

What’s one dream-killing word or phrase you’re ready to let go of today? And what empowering words will you replace it with? Share it. Say it. Begin to Live it.

The post The Words That Kill Dreams – and What to Do About Them (Part 2) first appeared on Dr. Nick Lazaris.