Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used approaches to psychological treatment throughout the world today. It is based on the principle that, in order for behavior to change, we must first make a change in our thinking. Emotional problems are essentially created by the negative or irrational messages we give ourselves about our abilities, sense of self-worth, and likability.
While CBT is essentially a treatment designed to overcome problems, its emphasis on the thinking process has wide ramifications outside of the therapy office. Those of us in the Positive Psychology camp emphasize the importance of healthy thinking to help people to not just function adequately, but to thrive.
A lack of self-confidence is often the difference between mediocrity and success. People who are successful tend to be confident enough to believe they can achieve their hopes and dreams. Successful people are no strangers to the term, “I can”. It’s actually the way that they start most projects, even those that are particularly challenging.
Saying, “I can,” is no guarantee of success, but it is a reflection of a mindset that is willing to try. While some people never achieve their potential because they don’t believe they can, those who are willing to test their limits are the ones who are typically able to achieve success. An unwillingness to do so is not a noble cause. It is far more noble to try and fall short. Making the effort is what leads to success – if not this time then in the future. That effort starts with the phrase, “I can”.
This type of thinking is best exemplified in the famous Michael Jordan quote: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed”.
In other words, he never stopped thinking, “I can”. Expect no less of yourself.