All of us have something we are working towards.  It can be saving money, losing weight, or traveling somewhere different. For me, it’s losing weight.  The problem is, I love sweets, wine, and eating pizza way too much.  It’s my Achilles hill. 

Yet despite knowing this, the process starts and ends the same way. 

• Monday morning I am extremely motivated.  I start my day with a light workout, protein shake, and green apple. Everything is going according to plan. 

• I get home from work tired and exhausted, and somewhere between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM, the diet and workout from earlier is out the door. 

What happens next? I start over the following Monday. Despite this ongoing pattern, my routine is like clockwork: Initiating, indulging, rationalizing, and then becoming discouraged when nothing has changed.

It’s a vicious cycle that starts on Monday. 

Yes, that’s right, Monday.  Although I may “slip up” on Wednesday or Thursday, Monday is the first day of my down fall. Here is why:

It has nothing to do with the day itself, but rather, what the day represents. Without consciously realizing it, Monday represented my first excuse.

1.     Monday is always in the future,

2.     Monday occurs before things happen, and

3.     Monday makes me feel good about myself.   

For this reason, I believe if we eliminate the following three words from our vocabulary (If, But, Because), we all will experience better outcomes in life.  It’s losing weight for me, but for you, it could be finding a better job, relationship success, or spending more time with your family. Regardless of the outcome, pay attention to how and when you use these words, because their underlying meanings, could prohibit you from reaching your own goals.

IF….

The word “if” refers to a condition.  The problem with using the word “if” is that any step forward or decision you make, is contingent on someone or something else.  You relinquish control, and limit your own ability to change an outcome. This is common in relationship disputes. “If she/he would do _; then I would do_”.

BUT….

The word “but” is normally used to erase or excuse a preceding statement.  The problem with using “but” is that it minimizes our role. It also makes us feel better about our actions.  “I would go to the gym, BUT, it’s raining outside.”

Because…

The word “because” helps explain.  Unlike “but” that erases what was said before, “because” explains what was said before.  It is designed to provide rationale.  The problem however, is that when we are working to achieve a particular goal or outcome, there will always be a good reason why something didn’t happen. 

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