Best-selling author was asked for powerful words that can shape our lives — he said replacing ‘but’ with one common word changes everything
Sometimes, the most powerful force that shifts one's life is the story that one wants to build. Podcaster Mel Robbins (@melrobbins), during a conversation with best-selling author and business mentor Seth Godin, asked him what, in his opinion, are the powerful words that shape one's life. His response was to replace the word "but" with another commonly used word, which can change everything. Sharing the interview bit with TikTok users on March 18, 2026, Godin noted how one can create a life that they actually want.
@melrobbins The most powerful thing shaping your life right now is the story you tell yourself. According to bestselling author and one of my favorite business mentors Seth Godin, it often comes down to two words: “But” or “And.” “I want to start the project, BUT I’m tired.” That one word - but - closes the door. But when you change one word, everything changes: “I want to start the project, AND I’m tired.” The situation may not change, but what you do next can. "But" closes off possibilities and keeps you stuck. "And" invites problem-solving and creates more opportunities. In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Seth Godin is sharing the mindset shifts that will help you stop waiting, stop hiding, and create the life you actually want. 🎧 “Simple Steps for Getting Unstuck: Do THIS and Change Your Life.” Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search “The Mel Robbins Podcast Seth Godin.” #melrobbins #melrobbinspodcast #sethgodin #advice ♬ original sound - Mel Robbins
In the latest episode of Mel Robbins' "Simple Steps for Getting Unstuck: Do THIS and Change Your Life," the life coach sat down with author Seth Godin to talk more about shaping one's life. Godin noted that bad things often happen to people who don't deserve such experiences; what is more important is to learn how to process what has happened. That's when he introduced the "and" vs "but" concept. Citing examples, Godin stated that when it rains during a vacation, saying, "I'm on a vacation, but it's raining," immediately pushes one to believe the vacation is ruined. However, replacing it with the word "and," the individual now treats the problem as a situation and opportunity by embracing it.
Godin noted that these words do a lot of "heavy lifting" in a person's life. Adding Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory, the author noted that problems can have solutions; however, situations don't. When one accepts something as a problem, they have to find a solution to it. However, when one accepts it as a situation, they must learn to embrace it and accept it for what it is. Godin's takeaway from Robbins' book, "The Let Them Theory," is that one can either fight about what the other person is doing to them, or accept it as a situation and plan further and better.
According to Psychology Today, therapist Jason N. Linder noted that turning the hardest challenges life throws at us into learning opportunities helps one grow into a better person. "As long as we derive learning, meaning, understanding, and insight from it, even the worst things that happen to us can become gifts and sources of strength and wisdom over time," he noted. The expert who specializes in therapy for trauma and addiction, and helps with mindfulness, underlines that life's hardest battles are all profound opportunities, given to choose between whether to make use of it by learning or to find a solution to it.
Soon after the clip gained traction, many users shared their reactions to it. @ladagebonton added, "It's so powerful because it stops you from closing the doors by limiting your beliefs and opens up the doors to possibilities." @Jennifergenxgoesdigital commented, "Process what happens and do something about it." @StepbyStep wrote, "You don't change your life first… You change the way you speak to yourself."
For more insightful content on well-being, follow @melrobbins on TikTok.