…or “won’t.” Or “not able to.” Or “don’t want to.”

I feel like so often we use these words – can’t, won’t – to justify not doing something or putting something off. A lot of times, they come in phrases like:

“I can’t afford it.”

“I don’t have the time.”

“I’m not good enough/smart enough/rich enough.”

Wrong. While of course money and time gets tight for everyone, that’s no reason to give up. And I know it can get bad. I’m a college student. I get this more than anyone. I have rent to pay, a car to fill, groceries to buy. A majority of my income comes from waiting tables, with the occasional social media job on the side. Not to mention my time. I am swamped during the school year. Fifteen-hour semesters and all the homework and projects, along with the four or five days I work a week leaves me with barely time to breathe.

But I refuse to say I can’t do something. I just can’t do it… yet.

That’s the whole point here. Don’t rule something out just because you can’t do it right now. Whatever is holding you back will pass. Things are constantly changing. Good fortune and bad fortune will always balance each other out. It’s especially important to remember that when times are trying.

Learn to catch yourself when you get bogged down in the “can’ts” and “won’ts.” Take these three steps:

1. Stop the thought. Whatever negative phrase is going through your mind, wipe it right out.
2. Take a few deep breaths. When we’re in a state of negativity, simply taking the time to focus on breathing can shift our mood, even if it’s subtle.
3. Change your “can’t” to a “someday” or a “soon.” Opt for more positive words in your thinking, speaking and writing.

Changing to positive words can work wonders for your mental health. For example, you can say, “I can’t afford to go back to school.” Change that to, “Someday I’ll be able to afford to go back to school.” You’re not lying to yourself, but at the same time, you’re lifting yourself up instead of bringing yourself down.

There’s so many things that we aren’t able to do. And it sucks. But by working on removing those negative words from our vocabularies, we’re removing the very thoughts that are holding us back, and allowing ourselves to focus more on what will change that “can’t” to a “can.”