I hate the word always. It
carries with it so much disappointment and failure when used negatively and so
much pressure and expectation when used positively in a statement about an
individual. What most people don’t realise is that the use of the word always
gives the impression that there is no hope for change.
Just the other day, I was told
that I always think of myself first and I never put other people’s needs before
my own. This statement was heavily imprinted on my heart for months as I
repeatedly asked myself the question; “Always?” You see, the use of the word
always entailed the thought that there was no hope and brought about the idea
that in my entire 16 years of life, I had never done a selfless deed or had a
selfless thought. I had always thought of myself as a caring and selfless
person and the fact that one person pointed out to me that I am ALWAYS selfish
made me question everything that I thought I was. Before I knew it, my entire
perspective of myself had changed. My thoughts were that if I always have and
always will be selfish, then what was the point of trying not to be?
The common misconception is that
the use of the word “always” serves to encourage change but in most cases, it
actually deletes any hope of change that was previously there. This in itself
can destroy the self-esteem or outlook on life of any student or individual
aspiring for success. One word can ruin a life so choose your words carefully.
--Tariro P. Mbiba
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