“I can’t make it to the gym. I can’t stick to a diet. I’m getting old and I can’t do the things I used to.”

The power of the phrase “I can’t” is often underestimated. It can make us feel almost helpless and over time will cement this idea in our heads. All too easily we can convince ourselves that we’re not capable of something just by thinking it is so. 

To quote Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right."

Instead of planting our feet in the ground and making such a hard statement as “I can’t”, we should focus on what it is that we CAN do. 

“I’m getting old and I can’t go to the gym anymore."

What CAN you do? Maybe you can hop on the stationary bike at the gym. Or use the weight machines with light weight. Or even just go for a walk in your neighborhood a few times a week. 

“I can’t stick to a diet. I don’t have the will power.”

Okay, but you can cut out 1 or 2 fast food meals a week? Or cut your soda intake down to 1 a day? 

Instead of having an all-or-nothing mindset, take a step back and find a place YOU can start. Take that enormous daunting task that’s hovering over you and make it more approachable. Just because you’re making it easier to accomplish doesn't mean you’re not making progress. 

Unfortunately, too many of us never get back to doing the things that we should be doing, because our pride gets in the way. 

Saying “I can’t” protects our ego. If we don’t think we can do something, then we never start. And if we never start then we never fail and can’t be let down or disappointed. 

Tell me if you’ve ever had a thought similar to this….

• “I used to run a 6 minute mile, but I could never do that now. So I guess I just won’t run any more.”

• “I used to squat 400lbs but I could barely get the bar now. I just won’t squat anymore.” 

• “It’s Monday and I already ate some junk food, so I guess I just won’t eat healthy this week.”

The problem in all of these situations is that we focus on what we can’t do. I can’t run that fast. I’m not that strong. It’s too late to be healthy. 

It’s a classic case of “Is the glass half empty or is the glass half full?” As difficult as it is, these thoughts should be turned into something more positive. 

I can’t run a 6 minute mile BUT I can get out and start jogging around my neighborhood. Or walking. 

I’m not as strong as I used to be BUT I can still get to the gym and squat the bar a couple times a week. Or do air squats. Or leg press. 

Sure, we might not be able to do the things just as we used to do them, but we’re still fully capable of doing them in some capacity now.

Going from I can’t to I can can be a difficult change to make, but just remember to start small. The goal is to make this a habit. It may sound a little hokey, but add a bit of ‘I can’ to each day and see how it pays off. And write these things down. Cement them.

It’s ok to start small. No goal that’s worth having has been reached overnight. 

If you’re struggling to make these changes on your own, or feel like you need more guidance, reach out to us. We would love to help you get back on the path to moving well and feeling great about yourself.