I was watching a video on one of my favorite YouTube channels, Raw Alignment, and I was inspired by something I had never even thought about. In the video, Alyse - the owner of the channel - was vlogging her day when she decided to bring up a conversation that she had with a person she met last year.
"I wanted to tell you this because I think you will benefit from it," she states in the video. Alyse then goes on to explain that the person had asked her about what she was planning on studying in college and that she had replied that it was "just health coaching."
"They looked at me and were like, 'don't ever use the word just in front of something that you're doing.'"
Once I had finished the video, I found myself thinking about that conversation. I went back through my memory and remembered how many times I had used the word "just" in front of something I loved. It was nothing less of astonishing; I was shocked at how careless I had truly been towards the things I was really proud of. There had been so many times that I had put a painting of mine down because "it was just a last minute idea," or a paper I had written because it was "just a short story." I mean, how sad is that? Things I had worked so hard on - and probably for an extended amount of time - were being downgraded by one single word.
I have caught myself saying the word and I immediately tell myself to select a more effective word to replace it. There's no use in degrading my work and/or ideas with such a mindless response. In all honesty, forgetting the word "just" (as an adverb) wouldn't hurt your communication skills. It really isn't needed. Thus, I have made a pact to myself not to say it when talking about the things I love.
Do you find yourself doing this? Using the word "just" to describe your accomplishments and/or aspirations?
When we talk about something we are passionate about, we shouldn't even consider the word "just." Why? Because it makes those passions that mean so much to us seem less important or meaningful; it makes them seem less of an accomplishment.
Since I have quit saying the word, I have found myself feeling more confident about my achievements. I no longer make my goals seem less of an important aspect of my life. It even allows myself to feel more determined in accomplishing those goals.
So, my tip to you is to quit saying the word "just," and start appreciating what it is that you're doing!
If you want to watch the video where Alyse talks about this subject, you can find it here. The conversation starts at around eight minutes and 40 seconds (the rest is her everyday morning routine, but it is also interesting).
