If we want to live life to the fullest, we need to ditch our “buts. Here are just two examples of “buts” to ditch: I know that I should do…….but it is just too difficult. I know that reading the Bible is beneficial to my overall well-being, but I am so busy that I don’t have time. See F.N.1 below
Another way to ditch our “buts” is to change our mindset. Instead of saying but I don’t like… replace that but phrase with I have the privilege of… For example, instead of saying but I don’t like to exercise say I have the privilege of exercising.
Here is one exception to ditching the word “but”: If you are preparing an oral or written persuasive argument, the use of the word “but” can be effective. The word “but” usually trumps everything that comes before it and signals that the only important stuff comes after it.
For example, when preparing a persuasive legal argument, you may write that even though plaintiffs argue….their arguments fail because…Nevertheless, a judge may conclude that…. You could then use the word ”but” by saying: But this conclusion is wrong for two reasons. First….Second….
And while we are ditching our “buts”, we should also ditch our thoughts that begin with “if only”… and “when…then”…
During my working years, I often heard things such as if only….then I would be happy. Or when I retire, then I will have time to…Or when I am able to retire, then I will be happy. Or when I can find the time, then I will…
We are simply using them as an excuse. And If we are waiting to do something until after we retire, we may either be unable to physically do it, or we could die before we retire.
F.N.1 (If you are dealing with a time issue, read chapter nine in my book Created for Greatness, Living your best life through God’s Word. That chapter discusses how to manage time. Each day God gives us Ninety-six 15-minute segments. If we spend just one of those Ninety-Six 15-minute segments with God each day, we not only refresh and recharge ourselves, we also gain access to His resources that include wisdom, insight, guidance, and supernatural power to help us leverage our time).