Want to sound and feel more confident? Ditch these 11 phrases from your vocabulary, say psychologists
This article distills advice from siblings Kathy and Ross Petras about reshaping everyday self-talk to boost confidence and agency. Using concrete swaps for 11 common negative phrases, the authors encourage readers to reframe obligations as opportunities, replace absolutes with provisional language, and move from passive to active constructions so setbacks become learning moments rather than fixed failures. The piece draws on behavioral science and practical communication tips, and it highlights the Petrases' work as hosts of [[NPR]]'s award-winning podcast [[You're Saying It Wrong]] and authors of several books, including [[A History of the World Through Body Parts]]. The overall message: small linguistic changes can shift mindset, reduce rumination, and improve how you feel and behave in work and personal life.