While at a conference recently, an interesting question was posed to an all-female panel of successful women. They were asked “what word or phrase would you remove from your vocabulary?”

This really made me think about some of the things I say very casually (usually without even realizing it) that might have more of an impact than I realize.

After a bit of thought, I realized that I need to change the way I use the word “sorry”.

I’ve learned that it’s so easy for me to apologize for things that are out of my control because I feel badly. “Sorry my meeting ran over; sorry could you repeat that; sorry for the delayed response” and so on. I even say sorry when I begin to ask a question because it’s such a habit. “Sorry, can you tell me where the post office is?” Ugh!

I read a great tip to replace “sorry” with “excuse me” which is still polite yet it doesn’t immediately place fault or blame on myself. When something is truly my fault and an apology is necessary, that is the time to say sorry.

Another phrase that I use outside of the office but really need to rid myself of is the expression, “I’m dead” or “I’m dying” when in reality I’m trying to say “I’m cringing” or “that’s so funny!” I know we all say it to some degree but I am trying hard to stop because it just seems so morbid and way too extreme!

Are there any phrases or words you would stop saying if you could? Share your thoughts with us!