Every word By Adeline Atlas (SOS: School Of Soul)
Jan 27, 2026
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Stop Saying "Just"
Amplify your assertiveness. One of the easiest ways to undermine your confidence is by overusing the word just. While it seems harmless, just subtly minimizes the importance of what you’re saying. It’s like an unspoken apology, a prelude to devaluing your own contribution.
Why Just Undermines You
The word just often conveys hesitation or inferiority. Phrases like “I just wanted to...” or “It’s just my opinion...” inherently suggest that your thoughts or actions are less significant. This can be particularly damaging in professional or personal settings where clarity and confidence are key.
Shift Your Language
Instead of saying:
- “I just wanted to check in about the project,” say, “I wanted to check in about the project.”
- “It’s just my opinion,” say, “This is my opinion.”
By removing just, you present yourself with more confidence, and your words carry greater weight.
Steps to Remove Just
- Awareness: Notice how often you use just in your conversations or emails.
- Practice: Consciously reframe your sentences without it.
- Reinforce Confidence: Remind yourself that your thoughts and contributions matter—there’s no need to dilute them with unnecessary words.
Eliminating just from your language might feel small, but its impact is profound. With each word you speak more clearly and assertively, you’ll reinforce your sense of self-worth and your presence in any space.
