It's simply amazing how our choice of words makes such a huge difference, for better or worse. That even includes the words we speak to ourselves and about ourselves.
Research shows a remarkable difference between the words, "I can't" and "I don't" when faced with temptation. The way we frame that refusal determines whether we follow-through on it.
In a study of nearly 500 participants faced with various temptations, a mere 10 percent had the strength to resist when they said the words, "I can't," compared to an astounding 90 percent who said, "I don't."
The test subjects were divided into two groups, the "I can't," group and the "I don't" group. Each group used their phrase for nearly two weeks when faced with all types of temptations, such as eating unhealthy food and skipping workouts. The "I don't&" group won in a landslide.
For example, when offered a gooey piece of chocolate cake, the ones who said the words, "I don't eat that," were markedly better able to resist than those who said, "I can't eat that."
Study co-author Vanessa Patrick, PhD., associate professor of marketing at the University of Houston explains, "Saying, 'I can't' signals that you're giving up something desirable, but saying, "I don't" gives you a sense of empowerment.
That sense of self-control that comes from uttering out loud or even thinking the words, "I don't" helped study participants achieve a number of personal goals. Those who said "I don't drive to work" rode a bike instead. People who previously struggled with tardiness who said "I don't arrive late" became punctual. When they said "I don't take the elevator," they took the stairs instead, and those who said "I don't eat big portions" saw less food on their plates.
This study reinforces the fact that people become who they are told they are, even if the person doing the telling is them self. Therefore, we must be very careful about the things we say internally and to other people, speaking positively, not just about health, but all issues.