Yesterday was a tough day. I was so busy fixing a website issue that I couldn’t write the article I planned.
I had been taking the same steps to fix this problem for over two years, but yesterday, those steps failed.
That failure cost me over three hours. At the same time, I was hosting a Zoom call with leaders and regular forum attendees.
The experience taught me a powerful lesson—it’s not about the crisis; it’s about delivering results despite it.
This is the story of shifting from “can’t” to “can” and focusing on results.
The “Can’t” Mindset
The “can’t” mindset holds us back. It’s full of excuses and reasons why something won’t work.
For example:
- “I’m too busy.”
- “I’ve tried everything.”
- “It’s impossible with my current resources.”
Yesterday, I almost fell into this trap.
My to-do list was full. The website issue seemed unsolvable.
Hosting a Zoom call made me feel stretched too thin. If I had accepted these “can’t” thoughts, I wouldn’t have learned what I did.
Why Results Matter More Than Excuses
In life and work, results are what count. Nobody remembers your reasons for not delivering; they remember whether you delivered or not.
If I had focused on results early on, I could have worked on this article even while solving the website issue.
The real problem wasn’t my busy schedule—it was my mindset.
Shifting to the “Can” Mindset
The “can” mindset transforms obstacles into opportunities.
Here’s how to embrace it:
- Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
Instead of thinking, “I can’t write because I’m fixing a website,” think, “How can I write while fixing this?” Split the task. Delegate parts of it if possible. - Prioritize Results
Results aren’t about perfection. They’re about impact. Could I have written this article in less time yesterday? Absolutely. By focusing on results, I could have delivered value despite the crisis. - Practice “Can Do” More
Action creates momentum. Sometimes, it’s better to start imperfectly than to delay. Yesterday taught me that every step forward counts, even when things aren’t going smoothly.
Overcoming “Can’t” in Real-Time
Let’s break down how to practice “can do” more, even during challenges:
- Acknowledge the Challenge
It’s okay to feel stuck. Yesterday, I felt the pressure of fixing something that wasn’t working. But acknowledging it is the first step to overcoming it. - Ask Better Questions
Shift from “Why is this happening?” to “What’s the simplest next step?” I could have asked myself, “What’s the shortest version of the article I can write now?” - Adjust, Don’t Stop
Progress isn’t always linear. I could have written a draft in breaks between troubleshooting or dictated key points while on the Zoom call. Small steps compound over time.
Lessons Learned
The biggest takeaway from yesterday is this: results aren’t about waiting for perfect conditions.
They’re about moving forward despite imperfection. It’s about choosing “can” over “can’t” every time.
If I had focused on delivering results, I could have shared this lesson yesterday.
But I’m sharing it now, and that’s what counts. “Can” isn’t about doing it all.
It’s about doing what matters most.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a “can” mindset is a daily practice.
It’s about delivering results, learning from challenges, and moving forward.
Yesterday, I learned that even when things go wrong, we always have a choice: to stay stuck or to adapt.
So today, let’s choose “can.” Let’s focus on results.
And let’s practice “can do” more.
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