Oh yes, I can

Isn’t it discouraging how some people are happy to squash your dreams and are quick to tell you what you can’t do when you want to achieve something positive? “You’re too young.” “You’re too old.” “You don’t have enough money.” “Are you sure you want to (fill in the blank)?” I’ve heard them all in my life, sometimes from people who were really important to me. I’m a people pleaser at heart, but I’m glad I didn’t listen to all the negativity. There is something deeply satisfying about succeeding in spaces where people never expected you to show up.

Here’s the thing: the people saying “you can’t” usually aren’t actually talking about you. They’re talking about themselves—their fears, their limits, their doubts about their own lives. If you listen too closely, you’ll end up dragging around their baggage instead of packing your own suitcase full of possibility. Life is short and the road is long. The last thing you want to do is haul around someone else’s insecurities.

Here’s some more truth: the world will always have something to say about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” do. The best way to handle this is to be true to yourself. When you shut out that noise and keep going, you create your own proof. So the next time someone tries to tell you “you can’t,” smile politely, thank them for their input, and then go do it anyway. Because when you finally cross that finish line—whether it’s starting your business, writing that book, climbing a mountain, or even driving a motorhome across the Mackinac Bridge while towing a boat (see my photo)—you’ll get to say the sweetest words ever: “Oh yes, I can.”

Three Quick Ways to Prove “Yes, I Can”

1. Write Down the Doubts — and Flip Them.
   For every “you can’t,” write down a “yes, I can because…” statement. It trains your brain to see possibility instead of obstacles.

2. Start Small, But Start Now.
   You don’t need the perfect plan. Send the email, make the call, sign up for the class — one small action tells the world (and yourself) that you’re serious.

3. Surround Yourself with “Yes” People.
   Find mentors, friends, or even online communities that cheer you on. It’s easier to keep going when you’ve got a team rooting for you.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about being the right age, having the right amount of money, or fitting into someone else’s box. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and saying out loud — with confidence and maybe a little sass — “Oh yes, I can.”

And then doing it.

~~~Katherine A., who did it even though she thought she couldn’t.