One of my favorite quotes is: “Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they’re yours.”
Our limitations are usually not imposed by the reality of a situation or action, but rather by our fears and comfort zone. You start to see how “I can’t” is an excuse. You can see that it’s a convenient stand-in for an uncomfortable truth.
Spiritual teacher Byron Katie has a four step process to see the truth behind our beliefs that would be helpful to apply whenever we hear or think of the words “I can’t.”
Step 1: Is it true?
Step 2: Can you absolutely know it’s true?
Step 3: How do you react – what happens – when you believe that thought?
Step 4: Who would you be without the thought?
The grand finale: Why would I then keep that thought?
So next time you hear the words “I can’t”, question your belief. Does it serve or limit you? Does it bring you joy or does it deaden the vibrancy of your life force? Only we can live our life to its potential.