"Whether You Think You Can Or You Can't... You're Right" ~Henry Ford

​by Kathy Cap, LLPC, NCC

Kathy Cap is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) in private practice at Trinity Family Counseling Center. She is a graduate of Oakland University with a Masters in Counseling and joins Trinity after a number of years in a solo practice. Kathy enjoys working with couples, and adults of all ages, including those older adults facing an array of life transitions related to health changes, loss, and caregiving.

Many times, in our lives we have preconceived notions of our capabilities. We tell ourselves that we can’t make certain changes because of a multitude of reasons. “I can’t get that job”, “I’m not smart enough” or “I can’t find happiness, I don’t deserve it”. Every day we tell ourselves what we can or can’t do based solely on some idea of what we think to be true.  But what if Henry Ford was right? What if believing in ourselves CAN bring about the changes we desire?
 
Now, simply thinking about change isn’t enough to make it happen—but it’s a great start. Next time you find yourself facing self-doubt, stop for a minute and try something different. Be aware of what’s actually going on and realize that those thoughts are nothing more than, well… thoughts.  Now take that self-doubt and switch it around. Tell yourself “I can do this”, “I am worth it”, “I am capable”. See what happens. You might just be surprised by the outcome.
 
It is hard to imagine anyone succeeding in a task by telling themselves over and over again that they can’t do it.  Sure, we all wonder if we can or can’t do something—that’s normal, we’re human. But taking chances and pushing through is what makes life worth living.