Just say “don’t”

Motivation, willpower and discipline are fascinating to me. How much is within our control and what is not, e.g. because of decision fatigue? I’m equally fascinated with language and how the words we use shape our world. Every once in a while the two spheres intersect:

If you had a goal such as “exercise daily” and you could raise the chances of following through from 30% to 80% (or maybe even from 10% to 80% depending on your current strategy), would you want to know more? Apparently the magical words are “I don’t [skip exercise]” instead of “I can’t“.

“I don’t” puts you in the driver’s seat. “I can’t” stresses limitations and resolve wavers. Fascinating stuff.

Read the whole “Scientific Guide to Effectively Saying No” at Lifehacker

 

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