For when “I can do this” feels dishonest, try “I can try this” instead.
If you’re embarking on learning a new skill – right at the beginning of practicing, right at the beginning of acquiring knowledge – saying “I can do this” can seem like a lie. But “can’t” isn’t a word we want in our vocabulary. That’s where “I can try this” can be so useful.
Being willing to try, without self-criticism when we come up short, without repercussions for failure, is a crucial mindset for growth and development.
So next time you sit down to do something you’ve never done before, say “I can try this.” And then try. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.