There are a few words that I do not include in my vocabulary because of the way I have grown up. The word "can't" is one of those.

Ever since I was a little girl, claiming there was something I couldn't do, my dad always assured me by saying "can't means I don't want to." After hearing this statement several times, I decided I would no longer say it.

Instead, I would try what I thought I couldn't do.

Saying you can't do something is taking the easy way out. How do you know you can't do something if you don't even try?

Maybe you have tried it one time and if didn't go how you would have like it to.

So what? Try again. Don't let failure be an option because you think you can't do something.

This short statement from my dad has left such an impact on me and my life without my realization...until recently. What might happen if you take the word can't out of your vocabulary?

You gain confidence.

Beginning to believe in yourself and trying something new or trying something again may be scary at first, but once you go for it, you'll be so glad you did. As soon as you've done it once, you'll want to do it again and that will give you the confidence to try other things in your life that you never thought you could do.

For example, if you would like a better grade, but believe that you can't obtain one, go to your professor and talk to them about it. Do not wait around until the last minute, take action and do whatever is possible to bring that grade up. Try studying in a new way, reworking on homework, and throwing in extra effort on assignments!

Failure leads to progress.

Let's say there was something you thought you couldn't do, so you tried it and failed. That does not mean you can't try again. Failing can take a toll on you and it is so easy to turn away after failing, but when you try again the results may be different.

"Can't" is a mind game.

You have thought for so long that you can't do something because it's "too hard" or any other possible excuse that you allow as a pass for yourself. Facing something you have thought you can't do or say for so long is very difficult, but only because of the ways you think about it. Your mind gets in the way a lot of the time, but you have to face the fact that you can and you will.

Positivity is key.

Encourage yourself daily. Tell yourself that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Remind yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals by putting positive words or quotes around your room, on your phone lock screen, on your work desk, and wherever else you can think of. By doing so, you may encourage those around you as well.

Don't let laziness reflect who you are.

The word "can't" does not mean that you are unable. According to my dad, it means that you do not want to do whatever it is. There is a difference between "want" and "need." "Wants" give you the choice to do or not to do something. Saying that you can't do something comes across as lazy, while asking how you can learn to do so shows your eagerness to constantly improve and broaden your horizons.

Life is really difficult. There are a lot of things you do not want to do, especially when it comes to extra effort, but that shouldn't keep you from trying.

There is always a way that you CAN, you just have to find it.