C A N ‘ T ? What does that even mean?
When we say “I can’t…” we can mean “I don’t want to”, or “I am afraid to try”, or “I don’t see it happening”.
When we say that someone else “can’t” do something, we actually mean that we haven’t seen them do it yet. Nothing more!
Can’t. It’s an assumption. It’s not a fact. Always.
In fact the word CAN’T itself and the thought that produced it becomes the problem.
It’s a conversation-ender. An action-preventer. A confidence-destroyer.
Whether you’re negotiating, leading a change effort, or just solving a regular everyday problem, questioning every time the word CAN’T passes someone’s lips can lead to unexpected benefits!
It doesn’t mean everything magically becomes possible. It means you stick around long enough to see the unexpected outcome occur. You find the way.
And CAN’T become “Wow, I did it!” or “Hey, they can! They are doing it!” … and much more easily than you think.
You have to be willing to see your CAN’T for what it is — as an assumption, not a fact. Where can you try this?
