Three Words Entrepreneurs Should Stop Saying

There are three words that strip the power from entrepreneurs faster than kryptonite takes down Superman. Ready?

“I have to.”

They seem pretty innocuous. But don’t be fooled. They are deadly, especially when paired with phrases like:

“I have to…give that person a discount because they are broke.”

“I have to…volunteer at the event because they will be disappointed if I don’t.”

“I have to…go into debt.”

“I have to…keep my bad employee.”

“I have to…invest in my brother-in-law’s business.”

Get the idea?

Why “Have To” Is Deadly 

Every time you say it, you are giving up your power to make changes in your businesses.

Last week, a client (who is hemorrhaging money) and I had this conversation:

Client: I can’t raise my prices. I have to keep them the same.

Me: Why?

Client: Because if I raise my prices, I will lose business.

Me: How do you know?

Client: … Well, I guess I don’t know for sure. But I think so.

Me: Is someone forcing you to keep low prices?

Client: No.

Me: Do you answer to anyone about your pricing?

Client: No.

Me: If you wanted to raise your pricing, you could?

Client: Yes.

Me: Then you’re in complete control of what you charge?

Client: Yes.

Me: So why can’t raise your prices?

“I Choose To…”

Here’s the beautiful things about being an entrepreneur: You are in charge. If it’s ethical and legal, you get to do whatever the heck you want to do.

So stop giving away your power. And for Pete’s sake, stop saying “I have to.” Try saying “I choose to” instead.

 

Shut the front door! There are more posts like this? Yes!

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