Ronald Reagan had a sign on his desk that read…

It Can Be Done.

I love that statement. The sign “It CAN Be Done” on his Oval Office desk from office-furniture.com.au was Ronald Reagan’s constant reminder that great things, impossible things, were within his grasp. Reagan came into office on the platform of three basic tenants: defeating Communism, cutting taxes, and shrinking the size of government. While he will be celebrated for his leadership and strength in these areas, history will also show one of his greatest achievements to be his revitalization of the American spirit, and the cultivation of American pride. I remember when I was growing up there was a popular education system called “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This was based on the idea just like the president’s sign…There is always a way.

I believe there are 2 kinds of people when it comes to approaching life…

The first person asks…”Can I?”

The second person asks…”How Can I?”

There is a world of difference between those 2 people. The first person will always question their potential and ability! The second, most likely, will rise to the challenge and reach greater opportunities. Asking “Can I?” people are stuck in the question, “How Can I?” people are looking for the answers. Let me show you the difference between these 2 types of people…

Can I people…                                                               How Can I people…

– Make Excuses                                                           – Make Opportunities

– Complain                                                                    – Contemplate

– Question                                                                     – Create

– Are Skeptical                                                              – Are Confident                                                

– Back Away                                                                  – Rise Up

The reality is you have to be a “It Can Be Done” type of person if you want to reach greatness. Nothing was ever achieved by people who did nothing. Indecision will get you stuck in a sea of apathy. However, stepping out and deciding will cause you to move forward. Always remember that ALL things are possible. Instead of asking the question, “Can I” challenge yourself with “Why Can’t I?” You have to believe that ALL things are truly possible in order to go after possibilities. If you don’t believe you can reach greater possibilities chances are you won’t. Henry Ford said,

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”

What you believe is what becomes a reality. Your belief is a self-fulfilling prophecy! We don’t see the world as it is, we see the world the way we are. So if you want to see greater things in your life, you have to believe that greater things are possible. You have to have the “How Can I?” type mentality rather than a “Can I?” mentality. When I do leadership coaching with my clients I ask them some probing questions as part of the process, something like this…

What are you questioning is possible right now? 

Why would it not be possible?

What would it take for you to move toward making this a possibility? 

What are going to commit to today to start taking action?