Realize That "I Can't" Usually Means "I Won't"

Dr Tae Yun Kim is a martial artist, an author, a speaker and much more.  Here is an excerpt from her book, The Silent Master.

Realize That "I Can't" Usually Means "I Won't"

All of us, at some time or another, have felt the limiting power of "I can't." Even when we really want something, and even if that something is within our power, those two simple words can prevent it from happening. When you find yourself saying "I can't" look deeper to see if you're making another excuse. If you look honestly, you will usually find that your words, "I can't" actually mean "I could, but I won't for this or that reason." For instance, "I can't do well in school" might easily mean, "I could do well in school, but I won't put in the time and effort to study." When you become willing to say "I can," you find the power to carry it out from your Silent Master within. 

 Here's a story of an Old Man and a Baby that illustrates what I mean.

During a war, a group of people were fleeing from the enemy. Among them was an old man and a woman with a baby. For many days they ran and hid, always with the enemy close behind and danger from every corner.

As they ran, others in the group helped the mother carry the baby, except for the old man who was already very weak.

After a few days the old man was so tired he just couldn't go on. He fell by the side of the road and lay there breathless.

The others stopped to help, but he urged them on, asking them to just leave him there. He had given up all will to live, all desire for life or the future.

The enemy was fast approaching, so the others were anxious to move on. The woman with baby then looked down at the old man and said, "It's your turn. Everyone else has helped carry the baby. Now it's your turn. You must fulfill your responsibility."

To Be Continued...