We all talk to ourselves, whether you’re aware of it or not. These internal talks come from our subconscious mind. Sometimes, our intuition try to nudge us when there’s an important decision to make. Sometimes, without being aware of it, this voice talks us out of our dreams.

To me, the most devastating word you can use to limit yourself from getting what you want is “but”.

Have you ever come across people who told you about a great idea they wanted to venture in, and you encouraged them to take action, only to hear them say without hesitation, “yeah, but…” followed by a string of reasons why it won’t work?

These are the people who think with their “but”.

Your “but” might be trying to protect you from danger at times. Unfortunately, more often than not, your “but” reacts too quickly and automatically kill your creativity. You need to be fully aware of what you are telling yourself internally and what you are saying out loud through your mouth. If you let your “but” wander around unchecked, it can ruin your life in the long-run.

Too many people with great talent have failed in life by letting their subconscious mind outsmart them, making them believe the 55 famous alibis are real.

So, how do you discipline your “but”? Here’s how. Put a thick rubber band on your left wrist. Every time you catch yourself limiting yourself from taking actions by thinking limiting, negative, unproductive thoughts or by saying “yeah, but…” you snap the rubber band hard. Ouch! The pain interrupts your thought pattern. This causes your mind to go blank for a split-second, and open to new suggestions. Then, ask yourself “how” can you achieve what you want instead of “but”.

“The worst thing a poor person says is, “I can’t afford it.” If you say that you can’t afford something, you become poor. You become your thoughts and your actions. By saying the words “I can’t afford it” your brain automatically stops working. By asking the question “How can I afford it?” your brain is put to work.”

—Robert Kiyosaki

Now, put on a thick rubber band and go “but” hunting for the next 30 days. Consciously replace your “but” with ideas on how you can achieve it in spite of, and you are on your way to stop thinking with your “but”.