The words you use about your work are the work

There's a study I can't stop thinking about.

Researchers took people with depression and split them into groups.

Therapy. Medication. And one group that did something stranger: they eliminated the words "I can't" and "I have to" from their vocabulary entirely.

Instead of "I can't get out of bed," they said "I choose not to get out of bed."

Instead of "I have to go to work," they said "I choose to go to work."

This last group recovered faster than the others. Significantly.

Here's why this matters.

Listen to how you talk about your own work.

"I can't finish anything."
"I have to do this project."
"I have to get this right before anyone sees it."

These aren't observations. They're instructions.

Every time you say them, you're telling your nervous system what's true about you. And your nervous system believes you.

Now try the swap.

"I choose not to finish."
"I choose to do this project."
"I choose to get this right before anyone sees it."

Feel the difference?

The second set is uncomfortable because it puts you back in the driver's seat. You can't hide behind "I can't."

You have to own that you're the one choosing the block.

That ownership can feel unpleasant. But it's also the best way out.

The words you use about your work are not a commentary on your work. They are your work.

They're shaping what you make, whether you make it, and whether anyone ever sees it.

Start there.

-Alex

P.S. I'm hosting a Freedom From Anxiety Webinar May 15th at 11 am PT. Sign up here