Breaking Your “I Can’t” Mentality
Key Takeaways & Timestamps
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Hey, hey, beautiful human! Today, I want to talk directly to those of you who catch yourselves saying “I can’t” whenever a new challenge or opportunity arises. You know who you are—maybe you’ve dismissed an exciting job prospect or told yourself you can’t possibly juggle fitness with a busy schedule. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can, and this entire episode is my rallying cry to break free from the “I can’t” mentality once and for all.
Why This Topic Matters
I see it happen all the time: women automatically saying “I can’t” without even exploring the possibility that they can. We do it for big dreams—landing a promotion, hitting a personal record in the gym—and for everyday moments—like thinking we can’t find time for ourselves. Believing you can is the critical first step to making something happen. So if you’ve ever caught yourself falling into that trap, know that this message is for you.
Common Misconception: “I’m Just This Way”
Too often, we assume we are fixed in our habits or capabilities—like our situation is set in stone. But as I share in the episode, if someone else out there is doing exactly what you want to do, that means you can too. There’s no magic superpower they have and you don’t. The real difference lies in their willingness to believe “I can” and your tendency to say “I can’t.”
Actionable Advice
First things first: start telling yourself “I can.” Whether it’s on a sticky note, a phone memo, or a mirror mantra, repetition is powerful. Next, question your own excuses. Ask yourself why you think you can’t. More often than not, you won’t come up with a valid reason. Finally, remember it won’t be perfect. You’ll stumble, you’ll fail, but that’s all part of the journey. In the end, consistently acting in the direction of “I can” will shift your reality.
Personal Story
In the episode, I call out the excuses we make—like believing we can’t hit that PR or can’t balance our personal and professional lives. I’ve been there, too. I used to think, “No way can I manage my workouts while traveling.” But once I decided to give it a shot, I realized I absolutely could. It wasn’t a lack of ability; it was a lack of belief.
Conclusion
So, beautiful human, let this be the day you switch up your default setting from “I can’t” to “I can.” When you catch yourself doubting your capabilities, remember the only barrier is your mindset. I promise you, once you start believing you’re capable, you’ll be amazed at how your life transforms. Yes, you can.
Ready to dive deeper?
Let’s unravel this “I can’t” mentality a bit more. Throughout this episode, I stress that what stands between you and your dreams is simply the belief that you can achieve them. It’s not luck, genetics, or any other factor—just the willingness to say “I can” instead of “I can’t.”
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Think about how many times a day you whisper “I can’t” in the back of your mind. Even if you’re not saying it out loud, that mental chatter holds you back. Maybe it’s a fear of failure, or you’ve never tried something new and it feels scary. But the truth is, when we realize others are doing exactly what we want to do, it confirms that it’s possible.
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It all starts with making “I can” your new default. Picture the woman who wakes up early to exercise, organizes her schedule to include personal time, or pursues a career shift. She’s not gifted with extra hours in the day or fewer responsibilities—she just believes she’s capable and structures her life around that belief. You can do this too. Begin by setting small, achievable goals that align with your bigger dreams. Each time you accomplish a small milestone, you chip away at the old story that said “I can’t.”
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Self-doubt often masquerades as practicality. We say things like, “I can’t try for that promotion because I’m not qualified,” or “I can’t start a new workout plan because I’m too busy.” In the episode, I challenge you to interrogate those statements. Is it really true, or is it just an excuse that protects you from stepping outside your comfort zone? Getting honest about these questions can be uncomfortable, but it’s the key to real growth.
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Ultimately, you have more control over your life than you think. Every single day you have the choice to reinforce old limitations or to adopt a new narrative of empowerment. By consistently practicing that “I can” outlook—writing it down, speaking it out loud, and catching yourself when negative self-talk creeps in—you’ll see tangible changes in how you show up in the world. And, as I always say, yes, you can.
Real-Life Applications
Morning Mirror Mantra: Start your day by looking at yourself in the mirror (or your phone camera if a mirror isn’t handy) and saying, “I can.” Repeat it at least five times.
Sticky Note Reminders: Place “I can” notes on your fridge, desk, and bathroom mirror to continually remind yourself of your capabilities.
Action List: Choose one area—fitness, career, or personal growth—where you’ve been doubting yourself. Write a short list of tasks you can do this week to move forward in that area.
When it comes down to it, the path to “I can” is straightforward: ditch the excuses, question the doubts, and practice the belief until it becomes your new normal.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
[ 1 ] EPISODE TRANSCRIPT (PDF)
I’m offering the exact transcript of Episode 4, “Breaking Your ‘I Can’t’ Mentality,” in a neatly formatted PDF. If you want to keep these empowering words handy, click here to download the full transcript.
[ 2 ] I “CAN” MINDSET CHECKLIST
Sign up to receive my free “I Can” Mindset Checklist. It’s a simple tool that helps you identify daily steps to strengthen your new belief in what’s possible. Grab your free checklist here.
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