How to say it · Kind words

Encouraging someone

Someone you care about is nervous, stuck or ready to quit. You want to give them a push, but it has to sound warm, not like a poster on a gym wall.

6 ways to say it

How energeticCalmPumped

You've got thisbest default Keep going, you're nearly theremid-way push One step at a timefor overwhelmed Don't be so hard on yourselffor self-doubt I'm rooting for youcheering from afar Go for itjust try it

Way 1 · best default

You've got this

Short and confident. You're telling them they're ready, right before they start.

How energeticPumped

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Big interview tomorrow? You've got this.

Deep breath. You've got this, you've practised it a hundred times.

In a conversation

A: I'm on in five minutes and my hands are shaking.
B: You've got this. Just pretend it's us in the front row.

Common mistake

Not: ~~You can do it well!~~

Say: You've got this!

"Do it well" sounds like a teacher's instruction. "You've got this" sounds like a friend who believes in you.

Practice saying this

Next: Keep going, you're nearly there

Way 2 · mid-way push

Keep going, you're nearly there

For someone who has already started and is getting tired. It reminds them the end is close.

How energeticMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Two more pages. Keep going, you're nearly there.

Keep going, you're nearly there, I can see the top of the hill!

In a conversation

A: I've done four chapters and I'm sick of this essay.
B: Keep going, you're nearly there. One more and you're done.

Practice saying this

Next: One step at a time

Way 3 · for overwhelmed

One step at a time

Calm and slow. Good when the task feels too big and they don't know where to begin.

How energeticVery calm

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Don't think about the whole move. One step at a time.

Recovery takes a while, so just take it one step at a time.

Common mistake

Not: Do it step ~~by step slowly.~~

Say: Take it one step at a time.

We usually say "take it one step at a time". It's a fixed phrase, so keep the words together.

Practice saying this

Next: Don't be so hard on yourself

Way 4 · for self-doubt

Don't be so hard on yourself

When they're blaming themselves too much. You're asking them to be kinder to themselves.

How energeticCalm

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

You only started a month ago. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Don't be so hard on yourself, everyone fails their first driving test.

In a conversation

A: I messed up the whole presentation. I'm useless.
B: Don't be so hard on yourself. You forgot one slide, that's all.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm rooting for you

Way 5 · cheering from afar

I'm rooting for you

You can't be there, but you're on their side and hoping they win. Great in a message.

How energeticMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itIn messages

Examples

Good luck with the exam! I'm rooting for you.

Whatever happens on Friday, I'm rooting for you.

Practice saying this

Next: Go for it

Way 6 · just try it

Go for it

For someone who's unsure whether to try at all. You're telling them to stop worrying and do it.

How energeticVery pumped

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

You want to apply for the manager job? Go for it.

If you like her, go for it. What's the worst that can happen?

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

You've got this Keep going, you're nearly there One step at a time Don't be so hard on yourself

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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