virgin islands scene

The world is always in movement.
-- V. S. Naipaul
 

 

Tuesday, September 7, 1999

You can

What would happen if you were to eliminate the phrase “I can’t” from your vocabulary? If “I can’t” was no longer an option, you would be forced to replace it with either “I will” or “I won’t.” Think how much clarity, confidence and power that could bring you.

Too often “I can’t” is used as a way of running away from responsibility to your own possibilities. Each time you say “I can’t,” whether to yourself or someone else, you’re arguing for your own limitations. When you disavow your responsibility you also deny your own effectiveness.

"I can’t” is rarely true. Usually it means “I’m too uncomfortable to” or “I don’t want to make the necessary effort.” There are few obstacles which are insurmountable. Yet by continually repeating “I can’t” you make yourself more and more powerless, in your own mind, to get anything done.

The next time you’re tempted to say “I can’t,” stop and ask yourself whether or not it’s really true. Be clear, direct and honest with yourself and you’ll find yourself using “I can’t” a lot less.

When the desire is there, so is the ability. You can do whatever you wish. Whether you will or not is up to you.

— Ralph Marston

previousLet go of your limitations       End your difficultiesnext

Copyright ©1999 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.