Did you have to think about that one for a second? Maybe you said, “I never say “can't?” Or maybe you don't think you say it very often.
Believe it or not, most of us use this word too often throughout the day. Do you tell your kids they “can't” do this or that? How often do you tell yourself you ”can't" do something? When someone asks you to do something that just doesn't seem possible, do you say you “can't?”
“If you believe you can or can’t, either way you’re right.” -Henry Ford
Every time you say you “can't” do something, it just ensures that you can't.
Maybe you should replace “can't” with “won't," because if you are really honest with yourself, most of the time it's a matter of just not really wanting to do something badly enough, or making something else (that you probably really don’t want do do, but think you have to) a priority. When you really want something, “can't” is a non-issue, isn't it?
Think back to a time in your life when you really wanted something. You couldn't eat, sleep or breathe without thinking about it. Nothing - no person, no situation stopped you from going after that goal until you finally achieved it. There was no “can't,” just DO!
Essentially, “can't” is really just an excuse. Because if you really WANT something, there's nothing stopping you!
So, how badly do you want to drop those five or so pounds? How badly do you want to feel better, have more energy, wake up in the morning with a spring in your step? If you want it badly enough, you will make it a priority and get it done.
I know, I know, this is all easy to say. The good news is that you don't have to completely do a 180 overnight. You can reach the big goal by taking small steps.
You only have to see the step in front of you, not the whole staircase, to eventually reach the top. If you keep moving up, one step at a time, you will definitely get there if you don't let things get in your way and stop you in your tracks.
The key is perseverance and faith in yourself that you CAN do anything you set your mind to!
So why don’t you take that first step TODAY?
What is ONE thing that will help you move up that staircase?
For example, do you add sugar to your coffee? Drink sugary sodas or drinks? Maybe your portions are a bit too big or you have a dessert after every meal?
You don't have to completely eliminate it, but what about starting with less? If you drink three sodas a day, how about two? Instead of a teaspoon of sugar in your coffee, try a half a teaspoon? Have only one dessert per day instead of two, or one dessert every other day.
What about fitness goals? You just “don't have the time,” right? But think about it, really. Where are pockets of time in your day?
Maybe you can do a home workout while watching your favorite series. Waking up a half hour or hour earlier in the morning. Are you saying, no way, I already wake up so early? It's all doable when you really want it.
The first week you will have to really think about it and resist what's comfortable in the moment, but eventually you won't even notice anymore. It will become part of your norm, and you can move up to the next step on the staircase!
Why not start saying can instead of can’t, thinking about why it’s possible, rather than impossible? With this simple switch in your mindset, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish and you will love your results!