Today I’m going to talk about why I hate the words I can’t. It drives me absolutely crazy when I hear people use that simple 2 word phrase. It’s an easy way out and a way to stop you from reaching your goals.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
– Henry Ford

Question: Have you ever been faced with a decision and said to yourself “I can’t do that”?

Stop It

Too many people spend their lives avoiding responsibility by saying they can’t do something… When the truth is really, they won’t do it because they don’t want to face the consequences.

Examples:

I can’t give up sugary drinks in order to lose weight
I can’t just quit my job
I can’t make time for that

The truth is, what these words really mean is:

I won’t give up sugary drinks in order to lose weight…either because it is too much work, or the withdrawal is unpleasant, or because I just like the taste.

I won’t quit my job…because I feel the risk is too great / I don’t want to be an entrepreneur.

I won’t make time for that because I either don’t feel managing my time is important, or I simply have other priorities that are more important

Truth: You Almost Always Can

For me personally there is very little in my life I truly can’t do. I can almost always meet for coffee. I can skip a workout. But, I won’t always meet for coffee if I have other priorities. I won’t skip a workout if I feel my health is important enough.

So in your life, I encourage you to not look at things in black and white and terms of what you can or can’t do.

To say you can’t is to limit yourself and choose failure. But when you say you won’t – at least you are taking responsibility for the choice.

Why I Hate The Words I Can’t – Conclusion

You can do many things in your life. The power of choice is you get to decide which you will – and which you won’t.

Write this on a post it and stick it up on your computer monitor, mirror or somewhere else so it will remind you:

“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t”
– Jerry Rice