What if I told you that words have the ability to help transform your mindset?

Have you ever noticed how shifting one word can shift the energy of a sentence? Some words can make you feel a certain way while others carry no weight.

All words have meaning (don’t believe me? Just check the dictionary) 

Anything with meaning has energy… emotion.

Language was created to help us express ourselves and communicate with one another. At its heart, language allows us to share our feelings—whether it’s a warning or an expression of love. It’s a system built for connection and understanding.

That is why the words we use matter.

Every word has energy. Some words lift us up, while others can hold us back. But most of the time, we don’t pay much attention to the language we use. We’ve learned many of our words from others, like our teachers or family, without really thinking about how they affect us.

How Words Reflect Your Mindset

One way to tell someone’s mindset is by paying attention to the words they use.
Are their words focused on limitations?
Or do they use language that opens up possibilities?

People with a limiting mindset often feel “less than” or “not enough,” while those with an open mindset tend to embrace abundance and opportunity.

If the words we choose shape our mindset, then understanding which words to focus on could be the key to a more empowering perspective.

Transform Your Mindset: From “Should” to “Could”

Here’s a simple but powerful change that can help you transform your mindset without taking up extra time. It all starts with replacing the word “should.”

Why “Should” Keeps You Stuck

“Should” carries an expectation—whether it’s an expectation you set for yourself or one you feel from others. And expectations often bring disappointment, guilt, or even shame.
“Could” carries possibility –

For example, you might think:

  • “I should have done better.”
  • “I should be more successful.”
  • “I should love them more.”

“Should” often carries an unspoken expectation—an expectation you feel you have to meet, even when it doesn’t serve you. It’s a word rooted in external judgment, often leading to feelings of shame, guilt, or frustration when we fall short of these self-imposed standards.

Living in a world of “should” can limit your potential because it creates a sense of obligation rather than possibility. You may feel stuck in a cycle of “right” vs. “wrong,” rather than embracing what could be.

Challenging the “Should” Mentality

The next time you hear yourself or someone else say “should,” ask:
“According to who?”

Most of the time, these expectations are not our own—they’re formed from external influences: parents, teachers, society, or peers. They become limitations that hold us back, and worse, we often don’t even realize we’re living by them.

Challenging these “shoulds” invites you to question whether they still serve you or if they’ve simply become habits that limit your growth.

For example:

  • “I should eat healthier.”
    “According to who?”
  • “I should have done more.”
    “According to who?”
  • “I should be more successful.”
    “According to who?”

When you ask this simple question, you open the door to self-reflection and deeper understanding. You’ll start to see that many of your expectations are rooted in beliefs that don’t necessarily reflect your true values or your potential.

The Power of “Could”

Now, here’s where the magic happens: Replace “should” with “could.”

“I could eat healthier.”
“I could have done more.”
“I could be more successful.”

The word “could” doesn’t carry the same weight of expectation. It opens up possibilities. It encourages growth, flexibility, and the freedom to explore new opportunities without the pressure of perfection.

Why?
Because “should” is about obligation, while “could” is about opportunity.

When you change “should” to “could,” you give yourself the permission to grow, explore, and try new things without the fear of judgment or failure.

Dive Deeper into Your Personal Growth

This simple shift is just the beginning. By changing your language, you start to change the way you view yourself and the world around you. But transforming your mindset doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process—a journey of self-discovery and growth.

If you truly want to unlock your potential, it’s time to take a deeper dive into personal development.

This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating lasting change by understanding your mindset, identifying your limiting beliefs, and reshaping your language to reflect the person you want to become.

You could transform your life, but it requires curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to go deeper than surface-level changes.


Ready to Make the Shift?

If you’re ready to start exploring new possibilities and break free from the limiting language patterns holding you back, it’s time to take action.

You could create the life you’ve always dreamed of—but it all starts with taking that first step.

I offer personalized coaching that allows you to unlock your potential and shed the sh*t that’s getting in the way.

Book your 1-on-1 coaching consultation today, and let’s dive deep into the mindset shifts that will help you unlock your full potential.