When You Say “No or I Can’t.” What Do You Actually Mean?

Before you read further, I want you to pause a bit think inwardly and answer the question first. When you are asked to do something and you say “I can’t” is it that you are handicapped or you don’t know how or manner of doing it?. When you say “no” do you lack the ability or knowledge to do it?

I was in a workshop, and the topic of discussion was Capacity Building. The speaker was explaining that success is congrious to our thought processes. That success can be achieved if only we change our way of thinking. That character, attitude and critical thinking plays a vital role in building capacity. As he was still speaking, he called me out, when I stepped out very anxious, he asked me to touch the ceiling of the auditorium, I looked at him looked at the ceiling, lift up my hands and without even thinking I said “I can’t” that I won’t be able to do it, though am just average height. The man said he knew I won’t be able to, but he really wanted to know if I would make any effort which I didn’t at all but I just simply said “I can’t.” He explained the power of critical thinking, assuming I gave it a thought, that I would have stood up on a chair that was in front of me and touch the ceiling.

I came to realize that I didn’t give it a thought at first inorder to come up with a necessary means of doing it, and that is the biggest challenge we are facing in life today. No, I Can’t; I don’t have the ability, am not intelligent enough, you know my health status, this will be very difficult, I don’t have the power to, this is not meant for someone like me, you know you are more better , and on and on and on… All these excuses, have you even given it a trial?

These two words are cankerworms which have eaten deep in the lives of many because it’s very easy and simple to say, and that is why we are continously stagnant in life because we don’t think critically of a better way to handle a challenge or situation. Everyday of our lives, we are unobvious of new opportunities because everything are perceived as a herculean task, of which taking risk is of no importance.

Successful minded people see a task as a great opportunity to expand their knowledge and character. They never use the word No, I Can’t, because they understand vividly the value of effort and positivism.

Learn how to erase these words completely from your head, even if after your effort and you still can’t, don’t give up, find another means, do it another way, be optimistic, be positive, continue aiming to the top, one day your positive attitude and character will result to great achievement and success.