What Are You Thinking?

Have you ever said to yourself “I can’t?”

Was it typically before something you’ve never experienced you immediately thought you couldn’t do it?

How often do you let the words “I can’t” stop you from trying new things or accomplishing your goals?

Take a few minutes to think about how many times you’ve thought “I can’t” in the last day, week, or month and what each of those situations were during that period.

This quote by Henry Ford is so powerful because, I think, for most of us, we convince ourselves to believe we can’t do something before ever knowing if we actually could do it or not.

I don’t even know the number of times I’ve let the words “I can’t” stop me over the years. Let’s just say it was a lot and leave it at that.

Even though the 2016 holiday season has recently come and gone, the message of this story is worth sharing .

The Brian Setzer Orchestra was going to be performing in my area. The minute I found out I knew I had to go. For those who don’t know who Brian Setzer is, definitely check him out (after reading this, of course). His combination of Rockabilly (Stray Cats) and Big Band Swing can get even the most stubborn non-dancers moving and grooving, especially around Christmas time.

I’ve always wanted to see him live and now was my chance. The problem for me was that I had no one to go with. Most of my friends are married with young children and don’t always have the availability to go out. This was the case for the night of the concert.

I remember thinking “Ugh, I can’t go to a concert alone.”

I think we all have our own pre-judgements as to why we might believe that statement as true; although, I’m not going to dive in to those dark, muddy waters right now.

The main focus at hand is that my “I can’t” way of thinking was leading me down the familiar road of another missed opportunity.

I said “I can’t” and I believed it.

But as the days went on, it started to bother me and I began questioning my own thinking.

I said “I can’t” but I didn’t really have a good reason why other than the fact that I’ve never been to a concert alone. I’m sure there are people that do this all of the time. So why was it that I was telling myself that I can’t?

After thinking about it for quite a while, I decided to just go online and buy a ticket.

What I also didn’t realize is that one of the best features of buying a concert ticket for one is that there are typically plenty of single seats still available that are close to the stage. So, I was able to get prime seating only a handful of rows back.

I originally told myself “I can’t” and would have accepted that belief if I didn’t make the conscious effort to challenge and change my thinking.

And, I went to the concert that night.

And let me tell you, I’m so glad I did because I overcame the false belief I had. I was able to experience an amazing night with a kickass guitar player and his big band of trumpet, trombone, and saxophone players, along with piano, upright slap bass, and drums.

I enjoyed some rockin’ holiday music and got to meet some great people sitting around me too!

Now it’s your turn.

How does this quote inspire you?

Tell me about an experience in your life where the words “I can’t” stopped you. Were you able to overcome it? Will you now make a conscious effort to change your thinking?

Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.

Let’s get the discussion going.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.