Shifting Mindset From “I Can’t” To “I Can”
Shifting your mindset to achieve more
Often shifting a mindset from “I can’t” to “I can” can be enough to drive a different outcome.
As Henry Ford once famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
When we’re sitting in self-talk, how often do we find ourselves talking about what we can’t do and getting absolutely stuck in that moment?
In this blog, we attempt to explore simple ways you can begin shifting your mindset from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’.
I Can’t…
“I can’t,” tends to direct people’s attention towards impossibilities, often forming the backbone of excuses and limitations, resulting in stagnation.
In the realm of “I can’t”, black and white thinking prevails, hindering us from seeing the existing possibilities. This mindset often leads to a victim state, where we perceive everything as beyond our control.
With “I can’t,” the decision seems predetermined, keeping us rooted in the problem. Sentences such as “I can’t talk to that person – they will never like me!” or “I can’t make the changes that I want to my life. Everything seems to get in the way,” are too common.
I Can…
On the other hand, ‘I can’ is the language of opportunities. It challenges our self-talk, creating various possibilities.
Embracing ‘I can’, we regain our power. We realize there are steps we can take, no matter how small, that lead us towards change.
This mindset lets you understand that you possess some control over your reactions. It teaches you that there are always options available, that you can make a difference.
Imagine, how different would it be if you shift your thinking from “I can’t” to “I can”? Even slightly?
Consider these thoughts: “I can make eye contact with that person and if they smile back, I can greet them.” Or, “I can start focusing on what brings joy to my life.”
Forget about the “can’t even” attitude. Instead, think, “I can surely do this…”
What CAN you do?
When asked what they want in their world, people often will answer with what they DON’T want instead of what they do.
The challenge here is the focus. You get what you focus on, and if the focus is on what you don’t want, guess what happens?
When you shift your focus to what you do want, it becomes easier to SEE it and make it happen.
Being mindful of what you’re saying
Be mindful of the times that you say ‘I can’t’.
More often than not, even changing ‘I can’t’ to ‘I won’t’ will have a powerful psychological moment. ‘I won’t’ has the sense of your decision and owning it.
Being solution focused
If you won’t deliver what is being asked of you, then what can you deliver on?
Where is the compromise?
What are the shades of grey between the black and white bookends?
Your belief is holding you back
Consider this; more often than not, it is the belief that we’re incapable that holds us back over an actual inability.
Yes, it is true that we are not all born to excel in everything in life.
However, when faced with a challenging situation, how do you want to act?
How do you want to be seen?
What values are you willing to make a stand for to push through difficult situations and become closer to the truer, authentic version of you and what you represent?
Actions speak louder than words so be the change you want to be.
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Book Review: The Happiness Trap
