Have you ever wondered how the familiar expressions we say automatically can influence our perception of the world, relationships with people, and financial situation? According to psychologist Elena Yarikhova, the words we use reflect our thinking and can shape life scenarios.
Speech is not only a means of communication but also a tool through which our thinking manifests itself in the external world.
Phrases that attract poverty
“I have no money”
When a person asserts this as an undeniable fact, they fix their attention on the lack, shifting their thinking into a scarcity mode. Such a statement does not help in seeking solutions—instead, it reinforces the feeling of deficiency.
“This is too expensive for me”
Automatically repeating this phrase narrows the perspective on possibilities, shifting the focus from finding ways to obstacles. Instead, it is more useful to view expenses through the lens of priorities and goals.
“I never have luck with money”
By attributing their financial success or lack thereof to an abstract phenomenon like “luck,” a person removes responsibility and motivation for analyzing the situation, planning, and taking action.
“Rich people are bad/evil,” “Money corrupts a person”
Generalizations that belittle success and associate wealth with negativity create a barrier to financial growth within the subconscious. Such perceptions foster hidden resistance to improving one’s financial situation.
Phrases that attract loneliness
“No one understands me”
This phrasing establishes a “victim” position: it distances the interlocutor, creates emotional distance, and blocks open, sincere communication.
“All men/all women are the same,” “Everyone wants something from me”
Negative generalizations hinder the ability to see individual qualities in people, foster bias, and repel potential friends or partners. Such beliefs can turn into self-fulfilling prophecies.
“I’m used to being alone”
This phrase may sound like a defense mechanism, but mentally it reinforces loneliness as the norm. By constantly repeating it, a person reduces their motivation to seek communication and build deep connections with others.
“You shouldn’t trust anyone”
The belief in total distrust makes any attempts at closeness psychologically dangerous. As a result, a person remains isolated because they avoid contacts and emotional openness.
How words affect life
Abandoning automatic negative phrases is not only about changing words but also about working with one’s own thoughts and beliefs. Shifting the mental focus from “problem” to “task” helps people make more mature decisions, be open to opportunities, and build strong relationships. For example, instead of saying “I have no money,” it is more useful to say: “At this moment, my expenses exceed my income; I need to review my budget.”
