If we agree words have power, then why should you never use the term “broke” to describe your financial status?
Words are incredibly powerful. On the battlefield, did generals and military leaders stand silently before a charge or did they turn to their troops and give a compelling, passion-fueled speech to build up their bravery before they raced into blood-thirsty battle?
In martial arts, they teach you to give a shout before landed a major punch or kick. Why? Because its scientifically proven to create more power.
The discussion around words is all through religious texts. Most democratic countries are based on the concept of “free speech”. In China, you can be stripped of your job and have your entire family jailed and sent to re-education camps for speaking negatively about the government. In North Korea, they will shoot you in the street for saying something negative about the current ruler.
All this because of the power of words.
Proverbs 15:4: “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
So now that I’ve made the case for the power of words, lets dive into four primary reasons you should never use the phrase “I’m broke” or any variation of it when referring to your financial situation.
Reason 1 – Because of the severity of its definition.
Broke falls under break which means:
- to separate into parts with suddenness or violence
- to cause an open wound
- to render inoperable
People are struggling with personal finance across the developed world. While broke is an accurate term for the state of our financial educational system, it is not a proper definition for your ability to change your financial state.
Reason 2 – It provides no hope for improvement.
The only thing that makes words more impactful is repetition of those words. People who call themselves “broke” reinforce more than their financial state to their psyche. They are building a case not to change.
Think about it in the context of these conversations.
“How’s your diet coming along? I know you said you were trying to lose weight.”
“Unfortunately, my diet is broke.”
“What’s the status of your school project?”
“I was working on it but its broke.”
“Have you tried to reconcile with your sister about the argument you had?”
“I would but our relationship is broke.”
Doesn’t these responses make the situation sound dire? Hard to fix? So why do we use this?
“Hey, do you want to go out to eat with us tonight?”
“I would but I’m broke.”
It’s such a deflating statement and over time, you will start to believe you truly are.
Reason 3 – There are better things to say!
So instead of using the B word, start reinforcing your dreams and plans instead.
When someone asks if you can go to eat and you are short on money, state why you can’t go!
“Thanks but I’m saving money for my vacation in four months. It’s going to be awesome!”
“Appreciate the offer, but I’m building towards my financial foundation right now.”
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About Lifebuilder
The Lifebuilder Podcast helps ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, eliminate distractions, and achieve their goals faster. Each episode gives practical strategies for personal growth, productivity, and building a meaningful life. If you want clear direction, better focus, and proven frameworks to win at life and work, this show gives you the tools to get unstuck and move forward.