I can't believe the number of times I've used the phrase I can't believe

We all do it in our writing, we use the same words or phrases about a thousand times. In my first book I used the word seem and its variations about a thousand times or more I didn't count. In the writing of my current book, I find that I have been using the phrase 'I can't believe' about a zillion times. I keep catching myself writing it and then want to slap my hand. I think we as writers, though we have extensive vocabularies, get stuck in a rut or comfortable with certain things and want to use that certain thing zillions of times. But I am here to tell you, STOP IT! Something I have to remind myself every day. Every time I catch myself using the phrase 'I can't believe' I make myself think of a different phrase. This betters the writing and exercises your mind. So get out of your comfort zone and exercise your mind! Good luck and good writing!