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

As I shared in Part 1 of this discussion, the words that we tell ourselves can be so powerful and destructive that they can kill off our creativity and the child-like joy of doing our creative work until it becomes a chore and sometimes even a nightmare. Yes, words can kill and rob us of our chance to give our absolute personal best to a world in need of what we have to offer.

In addition to the 5 killer words I have previously shared with you, I’d like to present 6 more words that have the potential to kill off who you are as a creative, whether in your art, writing or performing.

6. “It’s hard”

Nothing will kill off accomplishment and productivity as will a belief that something is too hard or that we aren’t quite ready for such a big dream or goal. So, we destroy the child-like, wide-eyed vision of what could be and replace it with a scaled down version of our dream.

7. “Yes, but…”

Another sneaky killer here. It appears at first as if you are agreeing to go for it, then out of nowhere comes that little “but” to minimize and scale back the possibilities of what you might create.

8. “I should”

Never has there been such an oppressive and murderous word such as ‘should’. Inherent within it is the message that we are small and unable to decide for our self what is best and will serve us – ‘shoulds’ always come from external sources and soon take residence in our head.

9. “Tomorrow, Tomorrow…

…I love ya, tomorrow, you’re always a day away.”

Apparently, Annie was also lied to as she sang how she should wait till tomorrow because it must be better than today. Studies have revealed that many, at the end of their life, regret waiting for ‘tomorrow’ and realize, much too late, that they had allowed their entire life to be emotionally killed off by waiting for just the right time, the right person or for someone to give them permission.

10. “If only”

This is the first cousin to “what if” – Rather than looking ahead in anxious anticipation, we kill the present moment and opportunity by looking back in regret. Precious energy is spent looking back, not to learn and move forward, but in feeling sad at what might have been. “If only I had …”

11. “Survive”

Disco queen Gloria Gaynor, in 1978, repeated this word over and over in her song “I Will Survive” in response to feeling sorry for herself after heartbreak. Her goal was to survive, not thrive. Without a commitment to move forward in bold and dramatic ways, we often allow our dreams to stay frozen in a ‘safe’ place until they die off, one at a time.

Fortunately, “I Will Survive” was followed up in 1979 by Patrick Hernandez who sang “Born to Be Alive!” Over and over in the chorus were words that help us avoid dying and encourage us to go beyond safety …

“You were born, born to be ALIVE!”

I encourage you to listen for any killer words that you tell yourself.

Replace them with affirming, uplifting and empowering words that will set the stage to allow you to soar to new heights in your work as artists, performers and in business.

Remember, as a creator you were born to be ALIVE!