Applying myself: The Journey from “I Can’t to I Can!”

A little over a year ago, I began taking Spanish lessons twice a week with the goal of improving my communication skills, understanding the culture, and making friends during my time in Mexico. I desired a rich experience in every way. However, as I spent my first week in my new home, treating life in Mexico more like that of a resident than a tourist, I realized my diligence was limited to attending lessons online. I hadn't consistently applied myself outside the classroom.

Feeling overwhelmed by my struggles to communicate easily and frustrated by my lack of discipline in studying, memories of an interaction with my father when I was six flashed back. It was related to a Spelling Bee I had to prepare for in school. I vividly remembered dancing around the room during our study session, claiming the words were too difficult to learn. My father, usually patient, suddenly became stern, instructing me to go to my room until I knew every word.

In my moment of despair over my Spanish lessons, I could almost hear him saying, "Melisa, all you need to do is focus and apply yourself." His words echoed the gentle guidance he offered throughout my upbringing. His mantra was clear: "You can do anything, Melisa, if you apply yourself." I am eternally grateful for his wisdom.

How often do we choose a victim mentality instead of reminding ourselves that we can achieve if we focus and try? How many times a day does the voice in our head default to "I can't" instead of "I can"? I am not suggesting perfection; I am suggesting that by starting with "I can" in the moment, we have already won. By focusing on the task at hand and applying ourselves in every situation, we can alter our mindset, heart, and trajectory towards success.

Whether facing challenges in weight loss, relationships, finances, or self-acceptance, it all begins with the attitude of applying oneself or saying, "I can." Remember to be kind to yourself on this journey of self-application and take the first step towards "I can" whenever the "I can't" creeps into your head.

With gratitude and love,

Melisa

Baldwin and Associates