We all know the nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough or that you’re not good enough because of the things you can’t do.
Maybe you’re not lifting the heaviest weights, maybe you can’t juggle a million things at once like that one friend of yours who seems to have it all together (spoiler alert: she’s probably doesn’t actually have it all together).
It’s easy to get stuck in this mindset where everything feels impossible because you’re constantly measuring yourself against the things you can’t do.
What if you focused on what you can do instead?
Yeah, I know—this sounds like one of those “positive thinking” mantras that people throw around, but stick with me here. The truth is, focusing on your strengths, rather than your limitations, can be a game-changer. In fact, it’s the key to growth, success, and actually feeling good about your progress.
Stop Fixating on What You Can’t Do
It’s no surprise that we love to dwell on our limitations. We’re conditioned to see what’s missing—what’s not good enough—what needs improvement. But here’s the kicker: when you focus on the things you can’t do, you’re basically taking a hammer to your confidence and productivity. Seriously, try to make progress when you’re in a constant state of feeling defeated by your own perceived shortcomings…it’s not possible!
Take a moment and think about the things you can’t do right now. Is it running a marathon? Starting that side hustle? Losing those 10 pounds? Whatever it is, I’m willing to bet there’s an entire list of “I can’t do that” floating around in your head. But what if we flipped that script? What if we took those perceived limitations and shifted our focus to the things that are within our control?
Here’s a little secret: We all have things we excel at. But if you’re too busy obsessing over what you can’t do, you’re missing out on the goldmine of strengths that are right under your nose. And let me tell you, those strengths are the key to unlocking progress.
Leverage Your Strengths
So, what exactly does it mean to focus on what you can do? It’s about recognizing and utilizing your strengths—those things you’re already good at or that come naturally to you. Maybe you’re great at problem-solving, or perhaps you’re a fantastic communicator. Maybe you have a knack for organizing things, or you’re super creative. These are all strengths that, when used wisely, can move you forward faster than fixating on your weaknesses ever will.
Let’s break it down with an example…Imagine you’re trying to get healthier, but you’re struggling with staying consistent. If you focus on the fact that you can’t stick to a rigid workout schedule, you’ll just keep beating yourself up. Instead, what if you focused on something you can do? Maybe you’re great at meal prepping, or you’ve got a talent for finding new healthy recipes to try. Use those strengths! Put your energy into creating a meal plan that works for your lifestyle, and maybe experiment with fun ways to get moving (like dancing while you cook, anyone?). Suddenly, you’re building momentum on what you can do, rather than what feels impossible.
I challenge you to list three things you excel at—whether it’s your ability to organize, your knack for problem-solving, or your creativity. Once you have your list, think about how you can incorporate those strengths into your goals moving forward. What would happen if you focused more on your “can dos” than your “can’t dos”? I’d love to hear how you’re leveraging your strengths to make progress. Drop a comment below or share your thoughts with me!
If you liked this read, check out this one about the power of small wins!
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