Use What You've Got, and Don't Say 'I Can't'

I've been watching the Olympics constantly, and was thrilled to see the story of the first double amputee Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, who is a world class sprinter.  Using Cheetah Blades prosthetics on both legs, Oscar glides around the track with athletic grace and power...he was a joy to watch.  I never would have thought I'd see such a thing.

What strikes me about his story is the fact that he never said those dirty words 'I can't'.  How easy would it have been his whole life to say that he couldn't do something because he had prosthetic legs?  If he had, think of all the things that he'd never have achieved.  I guess he'd never have played rugby (yes, he sure did).  He was fortunate to have a Mom who, every morning, told his brother to get on his shoes, then told him to get on his legs, and that's the last she wanted to hear about it.  He grew up believing that he was capable of doing whatever he wanted to do.

Oscar Pistorius

 
We all have challenges.  Allow yourself to believe in what might be possible.  We are all capable of far more than most folks think, even if it takes time.  If we condition ourselves to think 'I can,' or 'I'll find a way around that problem,' or maybe even 'I'm not there yet, but I'll get there eventually,' instead of 'Wellllll, I just can't because of xyz', then suddenly, the possibilities are endless. 

So remember...don't just say 'I can't', unless you put a 'yet' on the end of that sentence.  Allow yourself to see what you can really do...and then see where your legs, whether made of flesh or carbon-fiber, might carry you.