The language we use shapes how we approach global‑citizenship projects such as obtaining second passports, offshore banking, or building an internationally mobile business. Two common expressions—“the thing is …” and “I’ll try my best”—act as subtle excuses that stall progress and dilute commitment.
“The thing is …” – a built‑in excuse
People often preface a reason for inaction with “the thing is …” followed by a personal or logistical detail (e.g., caring for a pet, waiting for a passport to arrive). In practice the phrase functions as a polite way to defer or abandon a goal.
- Effect: Shifts focus from the desired outcome to peripheral concerns, creating a mental stop‑gap that justifies postponement.
- Typical triggers: Family obligations, bureaucratic delays, or any perceived inconvenience.
- Result: Projects such as acquiring a second passport or relocating offshore are repeatedly postponed, sometimes indefinitely.
“I’ll try my best” – vague commitment
Saying “I’ll try my best” signals an intention without a concrete plan. In service interactions (e.g., hotel loyalty requests) it often translates to “we’ll do what we can, but no guarantee.”
- Effect: Provides plausible deniability and leaves the outcome to chance rather than deliberate action.
- Common misuse: When clients or partners are asked to meet a deadline or secure a document, the phrase masks a lack of firm commitment.
- Result: Projects stall because the responsible party does not feel accountable for delivering a specific result.
Replacing the excuses with decisive language
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Identify the underlying goal.
- Goal example: Obtain a second passport within six months.
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State a concrete commitment.
- Replace “the thing is …” with “I will schedule the appointment by Friday.”
- Replace “I’ll try my best” with “I will submit the required documents by the 15th.”
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Set measurable milestones.
- Break the larger objective into weekly tasks (e.g., gather documents, contact a legal advisor, file the application).
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Assign accountability.
- Use a tracking system or a partner who can verify completion of each milestone.
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Address legitimate obstacles directly.
- If a pet or family issue truly interferes, create a contingency plan rather than using it as a blanket excuse.
Practical advice for global‑citizenship projects
- Document every step. Keep a shared spreadsheet of deadlines, required paperwork, and responsible parties.
- Limit “soft” language. In contracts or client communications, replace tentative phrasing with definitive terms (“we will deliver” vs. “we’ll try”).
- Anticipate bureaucratic delays. Build a buffer of 2–4 weeks into timelines, but still commit to a firm submission date.
- Regularly review progress. Weekly check‑ins help catch emerging excuses before they become entrenched.
- Cultivate a “no‑excuse” mindset. Treat each obstacle as a problem to solve rather than a reason to postpone.
By consciously eliminating “the thing is …” and “I’ll try my best” from business and personal vocabularies, global citizens can move more swiftly through the complex processes of passport acquisition, offshore banking, and international entrepreneurship. The shift from vague excuses to clear, accountable actions is a key driver of success in any cross‑border endeavor.
