You ever hear someone casually drop a “Ugh, I’m just always anxious” or “I swear I have the worst luck”—and you just want to gently shake them and say: STOP SUMMONING CHAOS LIKE A DARK WIZARD!
Stop claiming hardship.
Look, I get it. Life throws curveballs. Stress happens. But here’s the real kicker—the way you speak about yourself is actively wiring your brain and shaping your reality. So if you keep declaring “I am anxious” or “I have anxiety” like it’s your Hogwarts house, guess what? Your brain, your body, and even the universe believe you.
So today, we’re diving into why claiming anxiety, stress, or even exhaustion is keeping you stuck—backed by science, spirituality, and a little bit of wit.
The Science: Your Brain is a Sponge (and Kinda Gullible)
Let’s start with neuroscience, because nothing says “I know what I’m talking about” like cold, hard research.
Neuroplasticity: Your brain rewires itself based on repetition. If you keep saying, “I’m anxious,” your neurons literally strengthen the anxiety pathways in your brain, making it easier to feel anxious in the future. It’s like reinforcing a hiking trail—eventually, it becomes the default path.
The Reticular Activating System (RAS): This is your brain’s filter. If you declare, “I’m always tired,” your RAS goes, “Noted! Let me find all the evidence to confirm that for you.” Suddenly, you’re blind to moments of energy and vitality because your brain is stuck in confirmation bias mode.
Cortisol Overload: When you claim stress, your body obliges by releasing cortisol, a.k.a. the stress hormone. Chronic cortisol dumps lead to burnout, inflammation, and (ironically) even more stress. It’s like playing a game of how fast can I wreck my nervous system?
The Fix:
Language matters. Instead of owning anxiety, stress, or exhaustion, try reframing:
❌ “I’m so anxious.”
✅ “I’m experiencing some anxiety, but I’m working through it.”
❌ “I’m always exhausted.”
✅ “I need rest. I prioritize my energy.”
Your subconscious believes what you repeatedly tell it – so choose your words wisely.
I'm covering this in GREAT depth in my upcoming courses being released this Spring! Become a wizard, Harry!
The Spiritual Perspective: Your Words = Spells
If neuroscience wasn’t enough to convince you, let’s talk about something older than modern science: the ancient wisdom that has been screaming at us about this for centuries.
“I AM” is sacred. Ever notice how most spiritual traditions emphasize the power of the phrase “I AM”? In the Bible, God says, “I AM that I AM” (Exodus 3:14). The Bhagavad Gita teaches that our consciousness creates our experience. The Tao Te Ching reminds us that language shapes reality.
Translation? Every time you say “I am (insert negativity here),” you are declaring it into existence. You are commanding the universe to make it so.
Energy follows intention. In mystical traditions, your words literally emit vibrations that influence reality. (Fun fact: This is also why ancient civilizations used chanting and mantras—they understood that sound shapes matter.)
You are the creator of your reality. Whether you follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Kabbalah, or just good ol’ New Age spirituality, the message is the same: your mind is the architect of your experience. Your words act as blueprints. So, uh…maybe stop drafting designs for a stress-ridden life?
The Fix:
Start using affirmations that actually serve you.
💡 “I am calm, capable, and powerful.”
💡 “I allow peace and joy to flow through me.”
💡 “I have everything I need to navigate this moment.”
If ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, and literally every successful person ever agree that words shape reality, maybe it’s time to be a little more intentional about what you’re saying.
Story Time: The Power of Not Claiming Negativity
There’s a story about Serena Williams (yes, the tennis GOAT) that illustrates this perfectly.
Early in her career, a reporter asked her how she handles pressure and anxiety. Her response?
“I don’t know what that is.”
Now, did she mean she literally had no idea what anxiety was? Of course not. But by refusing to claim it, by not even giving it an identity in her world, she removed its power over her.
This is the level of reality-shaping we’re aiming for.
Final Thought: Your Challenge This Week
I want you to go one full week without owning stress, anxiety, or exhaustion.
Instead of:
❌ “I have anxiety.” → Say: “I’m working through something, and I’m strong enough to handle it.”
❌ “I’m exhausted.” → Say: “I prioritize my energy and I allow my body to recharge.”
Your brain, your body, and the universe will adjust to your new commands.
So, what reality are you about to create? 🚀
– With Gratitude
Joe Hehn
Mindset Coach, Corporate Consultant, World Champion Napper, Keynote Speaker, Author
P.S. If this newsletter made you rethink how you speak about yourself, send it to someone who also needs a reality shift. Or print it out, frame it, and dramatically point to it every time someone says “I’m so stressed.” Your call. 😉
P.P.S. Know that if you ever have questions – I’m only an email away. info@joe-hehn.com
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