Design & Creative Development
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Create & Change

Day 101 - Can't, Yet.

Day 101 - Hey everybody! Welcome to Sunday. I hope everyone is getting up late, strolling to brunch and making plans to snooze on the couch. Sunday's are made for kicking back, drinking some brewskis and having a day off. Sunday's are also good for preparing for the week ahead. For me this week is going to be stressful and I have found myself saying the word "can't" a lot today.

Who else hates the word "can't" as much as I do? It's a terrible word. It's negative and self defeating right out of the gate. There is no sugar coating "can't." In most cases, it's pure apathy. It's destruction of hope. For example, let's take a look at the "can't" ideas circling in my head today. Maybe these will sound familiar. 

  • "I burnt the meal. I can't cook."
  • "I forgot to lock the car door. I can't remember anything."
  • "I didn't drop off the UPS packages. I can't get things done."
  • "I wanted to call my friend. I can't be there for anyone."
  • "I bought the wrong frame size. I can't do math."
  • "I tried to karaoke. I can't sing."
  • "I bought ice cream today. I can't eat ice cream"  (Ok. This one is a downright ridiculous lie. Of course I bought ice cream and of course I can eat it. I was just seeing if you were still paying attention.)

Here is the epiphany I had today. Try adding the word "yet" to any sentence containing "can't."  I love the word "yet." It has such hope and promise. The word "yet" is like an over optimistic, cheek pinching Aunt. It's hard not to love her because of her zeal, promise and enthusiasm. Not sold yet? Let's look how "yet" changes the tone of the sentences above.

  • "I burnt the meal. I can't cook, yet."
  • "I forgot to lock the car door. I can't remember anything, yet"
  • "I didn't drop off the UPS packages. I can't get things done, yet."
  • "I wanted to call my friend. I can't be there for anyone, yet."
  • "I bought the wrong frame size. I can't do math, yet."
  • "I tried to karaoke. I can't sing, yet."
  • "I bought ice cream today. I can't eat it all, yet." (See, it even works with this one.)

Pull out your note book and write down three (3) can't sentences that apply to you. Then write down the sentences again and add the word "yet." The word "yet" creates a different feeling right?

Next time I feel myself using "can't", I am going to pull out my secret weapon, "yet." That's all I have today. I'm going to break for a few brewskis and zone out on some boob tube. See you tomorrow everybody.

AprilAndra Weberquote, design, yet