By Raj Mistry
We often say we want something — a better job, a fitter body, more money, a new life — and in the same breath we say, “But I can’t… it’s not possible.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most of the time, “I can’t” really means “I won’t try.”
We dream big, but the moment discomfort shows up, we shut down the dream.
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1. Wanting vs. Wishing
Wanting something is easy. Everyone wants something — a perfect body, financial freedom, a peaceful mind.
But wanting doesn’t move mountains.
Action does.
A baby cries to get fed.
A student studies to pass an exam.
A person trains to get stronger.
The world rewards effort, not wishes.
Most people say:
• “I want to go to the gym.”
• “I want to start a business.”
• “I want to be rich.”
But if you ask, “What did you do today to move closer to it?”
The answer is usually nothing.
So do they really want it — or do they just like the idea of wanting it?
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2. The Illusion of “I Can’t”
People shut down their dreams before even trying.
They’ll say:
• “It’s too hard.”
• “I can’t do that.”
• “People like me don’t achieve things like that.”
But is it really impossible?
Or is your brain protecting you from discomfort?
Most “I can’t” beliefs come from:
• fear of failure
• fear of judgment
• fear of looking stupid
• fear of leaving comfort
It’s not lack of ability — it’s lack of courage.
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3. Actions Reveal the Truth
Words mean nothing.
Actions reveal whether someone truly wants something.
If you want a high-paying job:
• Did you acquire any new skills?
• Did you update your CV?
• Did you apply anywhere?
If the answer is no, then it wasn’t a want, it was just a wish.
Sitting on a couch sipping coffee, imagining success, won’t create success.
Doers get the life dreamers fantasize about.
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4. Comfort Is the Real Enemy
We don’t stay stuck because we’re weak.
We stay stuck because we’re comfortable.
The bed is comfortable.
Scrolling is comfortable.
Daydreaming is comfortable.
But comfort kills growth.
If you choose comfort, you sacrifice your dream.
If you choose your dream, you must sacrifice comfort.
There is no third option.
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5. The “Five Seconds of Courage” Rule
Every meaningful experience starts with courage — not confidence.
Think of:
• sitting on a rollercoaster for the first time
• the moment right before skydiving
• the second you step onto a stage
The fear explodes before action…
But once you start, the thrill takes over.
Life changes when you give yourself 5 seconds of courage:
• to walk into the gym
• to start learning
• to send an application
• to show up even when scared
Courage → action
Action → progress
Progress → confidence
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6. Turning Want Into Can
A want becomes a goal only when you create a plan.
If your dream is to “be rich,” define it:
• How much money is rich?
• Through a job or business?
• What skills do you need?
• How much time will it take?
Then break it into steps:
• learn a skill
• freelance for extra income
• save seed money
• build slowly
Step-by-step, the impossible becomes possible.
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7. Trying Always Gives You Something
Effort gives you:
• experience
• stories
• lessons
• resilience
• confidence
Even if you fail, you grow.
But when you don’t try, you get nothing but regret.
Remember this line:
Failure is painful.
But regret is permanent.
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8. Final Thought: Dreamer or Doer?
Next time you say “I can’t,” ask yourself:
Is it truly impossible — or am I just scared, lazy, or avoiding discomfort?
Life isn’t unfair.
We are unfair to ourselves when we give up without trying.
Dreamers wait.
Doers act.
Which one are you becoming?
