The one word that will stop you achieving your goals

Earlier this week, I wrote The One Word That Will Make You Rich. Responding with “Done” to a question about your work delivers momentary joy to everyone who reads it. I love this word more than any other.

Apparently, you do too. I had no idea.

Nearly 600,000 of you read that post and almost 700 of you shared your thoughts. Reading your comments awoke me to something I completely missed. There is another short word that will impact your life in a powerful way. Instead of bringing riches, though, this word will keep you from them.

I should have known this, because I hear the word at home all the time. My kids blurt it out when I ask them to do something or why something went wrong. You probably hear it several times a day as well and do not even realize it. If you listen carefully, it is usually followed by an excuse.

Before I share this word, I want to tell you why it will make you poor. And by poor, I mean that it will keep you from achieving your goals — whether they are financial or not. This word halts your personal and professional growth and steals energy from those around you.

So, do you know the one word that will move you away from where you want to go? The one word that will make you poor is “But.”

It does not matter what comes after “But” — all that matters is that it is halting. It creates a barrier to progress. Saying “But”:

Creates conflict
As soon as you use the word “But,” when someone asks you a question, you create division. Even if it is not intended, the word causes the person you are interacting with to believe that their goals, principles or feelings are incompatible with, and threatening to, your own.

Damages your accountability
When you use the word “But” you are shedding responsibility. And when you distance yourself from owning the outcome, those around you question whether you can get the job done. Next time you think about making an excuse, ask yourself if you are giving up too early and who is going to need to step in and clean up the mess.

Breaks your confidence
Continuously telling yourself why you cannot do things will starve your self-esteem. Excuses do nothing positive for you or those who depend on you. They may allow you to vent a bit of frustration or anger at first. Later though, you are left with failure. You did not accomplish what you wanted to or were asked to, and that poor performance breaks you down over time.

The best thing we can do as human beings is to almost always be open. Listen first and transition with “And.” Saying “But” halts you from the most positive interactions and accomplishments.

I want to acknowledge again that “poor” has many meanings. Many people are oppressed or live in environments that make it difficult to earn a meaningful wage. I want to be clear that I am using the word “poor” to highlight one’s ability to reach their potential.

Being your best self and treating others with dignity is possible nearly anywhere. “But” just gets in the way.

Do you agree that “But” will make you poor?

This article is published in collaboration with LinkedIn. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: Brian de Haaff is the CEO of Aha! 

Image: Hays Recruitment Consultancy Section Manager Ignacio Ramos (L) interviews Vicente Balmaseda at the Hays offices in downtown Madrid December 5, 2008. REUTERS.