I Know, I Know... Stop Telling Me That

Have you ever heard someone in your life—maybe even your child—say “I know” over and over? It can be surprising how easily those two little words show up in our everyday chatter. This episode looks at how they can sneak into our thoughts and conversations, limiting how we learn and grow.

We dive into how “I know” can feel like armour against new ideas. But it can also shut down the chance to grow in unexpected ways. If you’re curious about how to spot this habit and shift your mindset, you’ll love this conversation.

Why “I Know” Might Be Holding You Back

Ever get frustrated when people say “I know”? Maybe you’ve even caught yourself repeating it like a reflex. It helps us feel in control or avoid feeling judged. Yet, it might also block us from learning new skills or insights.

In the podcast, I talk about a real moment that hit home. My daughter shouted “I know” repeatedly—24 times, in fact. It made me realise just how easy it is to use these words like a shield. We think we already have the answer, so we don’t look for new perspectives.

“She screamed at me and her mother, it was a phrase we had heard 24 times that day. ‘I know’ can be one of the phrases that holds us back and we don’t even see us saying it.”

The Power of Self-Awareness

Once you notice “I know” slipping out, it changes how you hear it in others. The phrase reveals a defensive side of us that can fear outside input. If you’re used to responding with “I know,” you might be telling yourself you’re already up to speed. The truth might be different.

Self-awareness is key. When you realise you’re using this phrase, you can pause and ask: do I truly know, or am I avoiding something new? That question opens doors. You start inviting fresh perspectives instead of shutting them out.

Shifting the Phrase to Encourage Growth

Easing off “I know” is easier said than done, but it’s possible. The goal isn’t about never using the phrase again. It’s about spotting when you say it and getting curious instead of defensive. Raising that curiosity gets you out of autopilot and into a more open headspace.

Here are a few ways to shift your language:

• Try: “That’s interesting, tell me more.” It keeps the conversation flowing.
• Use: “I hadn’t considered that,” when you come across a fresh view.
• Ask: “How do you approach that?” and stay open to answers.
• Pause before blurting “I know” and see how it changes the moment.

Recognising the Patterns

Often, we pick up habits like “I know” from parents, siblings, or friends. It might be a defence mechanism to avoid feeling behind or inadequate. We want to show we’re already in the loop. But it can lead to missing crucial understanding or a helpful perspective shared by someone else.

Try noticing how people respond to you if you drop “I know.” Wants vs needs can be different. We might want to appear on top of it all, but what we need is genuine listening. Feeling heard and valued is the real endgame. Recognising that pattern can do wonders for connection.

Practical Ways to Make a Change

Shifting away from “I know” takes practice, especially if it’s been a go-to phrase for years. Here are a few strategies to help you move from habit to mindfulness:

1. Track how many times you say it: Give yourself a mental or actual tally. Awareness is the first step.
2. Ask clarifying questions: If you sense a knee-jerk “I know,” try a question. It keeps the conversation alive.
3. Edit your script: Swap “I know” for phrases like “I’m learning that” or “I’m curious about this.”
4. Reflect regularly: At the end of the day, ask yourself where you said “I know” and see if you missed a chance to grow.

It won’t happen overnight. With patience and kindness, you’ll find it shifts your interactions and your own self-confidence.

Key Takeaways

• “I know” can act like a shield that slows personal growth.
• A little self-awareness can go a long way in catching the phrase before it slips out.
• Replacing “I know” with a question or open-minded statement can help you learn more.
• The habit might stem from fear of looking silly or uninformed—courage to question is worth more than proving you’re right.
• Small, mindful tweaks to your language can shift your daily mindset.

If you want to hear more about how this played out in real life or need a friendly voice urging you to reconsider your own “I know,” listen to the full episode at the top of the page. You’ll learn how to break free from this common mindset trap and create space for growth.