Can you choose?

Colleagues,

MVP: Oftentimes, when we say we “can’t” do something, it us because we choose to do something else instead.
 
On a recent overnight backpacking trip, I ran into two gentlemen camping out to watch the full moon rise. I shared with them that I was a consultant who ran my own business. A few minutes later, we were talking about some of the really good hikes in our area (I live in the Southern Appalachia Mountains) and I lamented that I didn’t have enough time to get out and hike as much as I would like to.
 
One of the men looked at me oddly and asked, “You own your own business, so if you don’t have time to get out, whose fault is that?”
 
I’ve been thinking a lot about this, specifically about the limitations we place on ourselves. Not just because of our work, but other things that we prioritize in our personal lives and in work.
 
This week, I will be monitoring myself closely to hear how many times I say, ‘Oh, I can’t do this because…”
 
Next time you think “I can’t…”, pause. Then dig into it. Can you truly not do it, or are you choosing to do something else?
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick