They Said You Can’t? That’s on them. Challenge Accepted.
I think we’ve all heard the discouraging words, “You can’t do that”. Maybe it came from a well-meaning friend or a skeptical family member. Here’s the truth: those limitations often belong to them, not you.
Sometimes when people tell you “you can’t” do something, it’s not because it’s truly impossible, but because they are afraid of trying or failing. They might phrase it as “being realistic” or “offering wisdom” when it’s really their own anxieties affecting their decision-making process.
History includes lots of examples of people who defied the “you can’t” accusations. I believe the people we admire the most all have stories of at least one person telling them not to pursue their goal. These people didn’t accept limitations. They saw obstacles as challenges to be overcome, not insurmountable walls.
Here’s how you can channel your inner trailblazer:
- Identify Your “Can’t”: What doubts are holding you back? Naming your fears gives them less power.
- Reframe the Narrative: Instead of “I can’t,” say “How can I?” Even listing what seems impossible shifts the mindset and opens doors to creative problem-solving.
- Focus on Progress: You don’t need to achieve overnight success. Celebrate small wins and milestones that prove you’re on the right track.
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Find a support system that encourages your dreams and celebrates your progress.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the mountain of your dreams. Take one step at a time. Every step forward weakens the limitations you built. Remember: They said you couldn’t. They could be wrong. Decide for yourself. You got this.
ACTION: Pick a small, achievable task related to your bigger dream. Spend time working on the task this week. When you follow through, celebrate the win, no matter how minor. It proves you CAN make progress, and that builds momentum to tackle the next step.
