(Hey this picture has no relevance to the topic but it was just fun to me)
I Can’t or I Won’t???? One keeps me a victim and the other is empowering and puts the responsibility where it belongs-on me!!! One of my core values and beliefs that sits on my vision wall in my heart is, “I will always figure it out.” I decided this long ago and took it to heart. When life gets, you know, so lifey and hard, I remember that I will always figure it out!!! I will always figure it out!!! Sometimes I have to repeat it to myself until I remember that I believe it.
I picked up a book that I read and listened to a few years ago entitled, Everything is Figureoutable, by Marie Forleo. This has a better ring to it; and so it really sticks in my head and my heart.
She introduced a concept to me that truthfully was not my fave to confront, or to question myself; but since it is my mission to always figure it out, let me share it with you. How many times do you tell yourself that you can not do something?
I can’t do Real Estate full time, it’s too risky.
I can’t get up and work out every day.
I can’t lose weight, I always cave after a few days.
I can’t get organized, it’s just the way I am.
I can’t forgive them.
I can’t learn how to control my temper.
I am not disciplined enough to ———–
These are just a few “I can’ts” that you may repeat to yourself. Think about the things that you say that you can not do? Is that the truth? Or is the truth, I won’t do this or that??
Most of the time in life when I say “I can’t,” what I really mean is “I won’t.” I won’t take the time, or I will not shift my priorities. I would rather cling to the old notion of I can’t, because it takes the responsibility off of me and blames the world or my circumstances. But, if I change my statements to read:
I won’t do Real Estate full time, it’s too risky.
I won’t get up and work out every day.
I won’t lose weight, I always cave after a few days.
I won’t get organized, it’s just the way I am.
I won’t forgive them.
I won’t learn to control my temper.
I won’t become disciplined……. Fill in the blank!!!
Marie points out, and I believe her 100 percent, that when we shift and use the words “I won’t” we feel and behave more powerfully. You remember that YOU are in charge of your thoughts and your actions. YOU GET TO DETERMINE HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME AND RESOURCES. You’ll feel more alive, energized and free because you are taking full responsibility for the state of your life.
I LOVE IT WHEN I FIND MORE TOOLS TO REACH FOR THE LIFE THAT I WAS MEANT TO LIVE. I love when I question old-held beliefs and realize that many of them are hand-me-down beliefs that don’t serve me. I am thankful that I decided long ago that I would always figure it out. I am also thankful that I am surrounded by a big group of amazing people who are striving to live their best life and share it with others.
Thank you from the bottom of my little 4 foot 9.5 heart that you are on this amazing adventure with me!!!!
I figured out long ago that I love working with all of you!!!!
Grateful,
Karen Key Smith
