Too often people state they can’t do something before they attempt a task or attempt to try something new. This process stimulates the mind negatively and makes it impossible to try something new. It may be things like trying a new exercise routine, or working towards a new goal or simply setting new goals. People are quick to acknowledge the obstacles that are in their way and allow fear to limit them, rather than focusing on the task at hand or the goal they are trying to achieve.
I myself had a few experiences of telling myself I couldn’t do something or achieve this goal. For example, when I wanted to begin my masters program, I questioned everything about myself. Am I good enough, am I smart enough? Will I do well in the advance classes? Will I be able to handle the load? I knew I had the credentials to do well, but I found myself doubtful and the “I cant’s” were consuming my thoughts. When I sat back and analyzed my capabilities and my drive, I knew I could achieve whatever tasks or goals I set for myself. I made it this far right? What can possibly hold me back if I don’t try? Then I realized that I limited my true potential with the words “I can’t”.
Overall, people limit their true potential by telling themselves they can’t do something instead of trying. If they don’t make it on the first try, they can reset their thought process and try it a different way or modify the way they do things. As the saying goes, “we will never know until we try”. Many times my clients tell me they can’t do this exercise or they can’t lift this amount of weight, but I encourage them and ask them to try. When they succeed, they feel ten times better than if they did not try at all. I ask them to take can’t out of their dictionary and you will see how much more you can do and achieve.
So instead of saying I can’t do this or this is impossible to do, rephrase that sentence and say I can do it or let me try. You won’t lose anything for trying, but instead gain confidence and strength because you accomplished something you thought you weren’t able to do. Don’t allow fear to limit your true potential or stop you from being the best you. Don’t say “I can’t” and shortcut yourself from achieving your goals and dreams. I believe anything is possible once you attack it with a positive mindset and the right attitude. Your goals will be easier to achieve and you will gain so much more than allowing the negative thinking to limit your true potential. So go ahead, take risks, try new things and always tell yourself that you can and you will see how much you can achieve by attacking your fears.
About The Author
Siobhan Morales MS, ACSM, CSCS
Is the lead trainer at UFIT Studios located in Murfreesboro, She specializes in functional strength training. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has a masters in Exercise Science from MTSU.
