Chapter 1: The Challenge of "I Can't"

In my experiences, I frequently encounter skilled individuals. I often find myself encouraging them to consider transforming their abilities into a career or business venture. Yet, I often hear the phrase, "I can't because…" This response can stem from a variety of reasons, many of which may be valid. While some justifications may not hold up, I understand the challenges that life presents today.

For those who genuinely wish to pursue their aspirations but feel hindered, my message is directed toward you. The immediate retort of "I can't because…" is a significant barrier. I’m not dismissing the validity of your reasons; many obstacles are indeed real. However, the way we express these limitations is crucial. When we respond impulsively, it indicates a deeply rooted belief: the belief that we cannot succeed.

Our brains operate in a way that seeks to conserve energy (Mg-ATP). This instinct can lead us to respond quickly without fully analyzing the situation, often revealing underlying beliefs we may not even recognize. The core belief here is "You can't."

The truth is, if you genuinely possess a skill or talent, you "could" pursue it. This doesn't imply immediate success, but it certainly doesn't equate to "can't." Instead, it suggests "not yet" or "not at this moment." The belief in "can't" is a rigid conclusion that may not reflect reality.

When I assure people of their talent, I genuinely mean it. The primary barrier is often their own self-doubt.

Our brains also have a fascinating function: they seek to validate whatever we instruct them to find. It’s much like a Google search; if you tell your brain to look for a specific type of car, you’ll start noticing that car everywhere. This becomes problematic when combined with ingrained beliefs. If you hold the belief that "You can't," your brain will scour for reasons to affirm that notion, often stretching to find justifications, much like "fake news."

For example, your brain might recall unrelated events from your past as proof of your inability to succeed. It may seem absurd, but this phenomenon occurs quite frequently! Your mind will utilize even misleading information to reinforce your beliefs, further conserving energy by affirming what it already thinks to be true.

This interplay can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy: you believe you can't, you convince yourself you can't, and consequently, you don't. This cycle only reinforces the belief that you cannot achieve your goals.

However, you can break this cycle. By understanding how your brain operates, you can confront and challenge these limiting beliefs. The first step is to identify these ingrained beliefs, which often reveal themselves through quick, automatic responses. When you catch yourself thinking, "That would be nice, though," take note.

Once you identify the belief, you can begin to question its validity. Is it genuinely true? There’s a significant distinction between "I can't" and "I can't yet." The former is a definitive conclusion, while the latter opens up a pathway to exploration.

If you say, "Well, I could if…" you’re already challenging the belief! This prompts your brain to search for solutions. Phrasing it this way allows your brain to explore possibilities: "If I had this…" or "If I did that…" These prompts can unveil paths toward your goals.

When you train your brain to seek out solutions, you'll discover numerous opportunities that can help you progress toward your objectives. The main hurdle most people face is not the absence of opportunities, but rather the brain's tendency not to seek them out.

Once you encourage your brain to look for possibilities, you'll often find an abundance of options. Sometimes, this can lead to an overwhelming number of opportunities, necessitating a reassessment of your search criteria.

What you must understand is this: if you possess a genuine talent or skill, nothing can prevent you from utilizing it to achieve remarkable success. While legitimate obstacles may exist, they shouldn’t dictate your life. Your brain can find ways to navigate around, over, under, and through these challenges. With enough time and determination, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Chapter 2: Embracing Opportunity

This chapter delves deeper into recognizing and capitalizing on the opportunities that await once you overcome self-imposed limitations.