"I Can't Do That"

When I hear people say "I can't do that" it's like nails on a chalkboard to me! First off, that's bullshit! It's not that you can't do it, it's that you DON'T WANT to do it. Secondly, if you actually tried to do it, you'd probably surprise yourself and find out that you can and then say to yourself "well I'll be damned, that wasn't so bad at all". I've had countless clients say "I can't do that" when I hand them a dumbbell for an exercises that's heavier than they normally use and I tell them, "just try it", and sure enough they find out it's possible.

For example, just today one of my good friends that I played indoor volleyball with 15 years ago and then competed against at various trail races, just completed the fastest known time for running the circumference of Oahu. You read that right, he RAN all the way around Oahu in one session. That's 135 miles! Read more about Sergio and why he set out to accomplish this HERE. When he first started he had no idea if he'd be able to do this, but I guarantee you the words "I can't do that" never entered his mind. Sure, he probably had some doubts, and then he prepared, trained, and those doubts became less and less!

Big congrats to you Sergio!

While his challenge was very large, that doesn't mean your challenge has to be that big. It could simply be you want to have the strength and endurance to hike to a waterfall or local lake near your house. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't say those dreadful words. Figure out how to make it happen!

Don't make your age an excuse. Don't make your weight an excuse. Don't make your limitations be an excuse!

I've done Spartan races where there are competitors with NO LEGS finishing 13 miles races with 30 obstacles. You can do anything!

There are hundreds of books out there on how people who are up against ridiculous odds are able to overcome and accomplish their goals. A few of my favorites are Rousey, Total Recall, Can't Hurt Me, Shoe Dog, The Boys In The Boat, and The Obstacle Is The Way. Read these books and you'll see people who even at their lowest points in life, never say those words. They face setbacks, regroup, ask for help, and continue to strive to accomplish what they set out to do.

Pay attention to your thoughts, they can either sabotage you or motivate you to do amazing things. All I ask is the next time you catch yourself saying the words "I can't do that" stop and reframe your mindset. Yes, you may not be able to do that goal at this present time, but that doesn't mean you can't accomplish it in the future. Don't give up! Sit down and figure out what you need to do to make it happen. And if you need help figuring it out, call me and let's make it happen so you never say those words again!