Every school psychologist has been there—too many tasks, too little time, and self-talk that sounds something like:
“Maybe I’ll get to it.”
“I’ll try to finish that report by Monday.”
“Hopefully I’ll find time for that meeting.”
These phrases sound harmless, even polite. But if you listen closely, they reveal something deeper about how we think, plan, and commit.
The Language That Keeps Us Stuck
We often use what can be called soft talk—words like maybe, try, should, could, and hopefully. They soften our language and leave the door open just enough to avoid disappointment or overcommitment.
The problem? Soft talk can also create ambiguity. It can blur your goals and intentions, which can drain time and mental energy.
The way you talk about your work influences how you do your work—and school psychologists are no exception.
A Subtle Shift with Big Impact
Want to see how to change the language? Check out my podcast episode on this topic: The Words that Shape Your Confidence.
