It’s easy to resort to “I can’t” when you’re trying to do something you have no experience with/feel frustrated by.
It’s natural when you’re overwhelmed or unsure, but it’s also pretty self-defeating. The smartest people know that their words have power, so they try to use ones that spur them on instead of holding them back. Instead of saying they can’t do something, they reframe their frustrations and solidify their growth mindset by using these phrases instead.
1. “How can I make this work?”
Instead of immediately ruling something out, intelligent people ask themselves how they can overcome the obstacle. Staying open-minded helps them find solutions and fuels their creativity. They shift their focus from the problem to the possibilities, which opens the door to new ideas and solutions that they might have missed before.
2. “I haven’t figured that out yet.”
Intelligent people understand that they don’t need to have all the answers. “I haven’t figured that out yet” allows room for growth and the understanding that learning is part of the journey. It also helps them embrace the fact that not knowing something today doesn’t mean they won’t figure it out tomorrow.
3. “Let’s break this down into smaller steps.”
Source: Unsplash When things seem too complicated or overwhelming, intelligent people focus on breaking them into manageable tasks. By dividing big problems into smaller ones, they make progress without feeling stuck. This method helps them maintain control and prevents them from becoming paralysed by the size of the task at hand.
4. “I need to learn more about this.”
Rather than giving up, intelligent people acknowledge when they lack knowledge. This phrase shows a willingness to expand their understanding and equips them with the tools they need to succeed. They see learning as a process that opens doors, rather than a roadblock that stops them in their tracks.
5. “This might take some time.”
Patience is key. Instead of saying “I can’t,” intelligent people recognise that complex tasks may require time and effort, and they’re okay with putting in the work to get there. They also understand that sometimes the best results come from investing the time and effort needed to truly master a task.
6. “What’s the alternative?”
Intelligent people are solution-oriented. When faced with a challenge, they consider different options and approaches, making sure they explore every possibility before giving up. Thinking in this way allows them to come up with creative solutions that other people may not have considered, giving them a competitive edge.
7. “I’ll give it another try.”
Failure is just a stepping stone to success. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” intelligent people take failure as an opportunity to try again with more knowledge and a new perspective. They know that perseverance is key, and each attempt is another chance to learn something valuable.
8. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Taking risks is a part of life. By asking this question, intelligent people assess the potential downsides and usually find that the fear of failure isn’t as scary as it seems. They recognise that most challenges can be overcome with the right attitude, and the worst-case scenario is often far less daunting than it first appears.
9. “I need more time to think about this.”
Intelligent people know that rushing into decisions can lead to mistakes. When unsure, they take the time to reflect, research, and gather the right information before acting. By taking a step back, they ensure that their decisions are well-thought-out and supported by all available facts.
10. “I don’t know yet, but I’ll figure it out.”
Instead of letting self-doubt take over, this phrase shows that intelligent people trust their ability to problem-solve and approach obstacles with confidence, even when they’re uncertain. They understand that not having an immediate answer doesn’t make them incapable—it just means they’re still in the process of finding it.
11. “I can’t do it all at once.”
Rather than trying to handle everything in one go, intelligent people understand the importance of pacing themselves. This mindset helps them stay focused and avoid burnout while still making progress. They prioritise what’s most important and work through tasks with intention rather than trying to juggle everything at once.
12. “What resources do I need?”
Instead of feeling defeated, intelligent people think about what tools, support, or information they need to move forward. They know that success often requires the right resources, and they’re not afraid to seek them out. Being more proactive helps them stay prepared and tackle challenges with confidence.
13. “I’m not there yet, but I’m improving.”
Growth takes time. This phrase reflects an intelligent person’s focus on progress rather than perfection. They’re committed to ongoing self-improvement and don’t get discouraged by slow progress, understanding that every step forward counts, no matter how small.
14. “I’ll ask for help if I need it.”
Intelligent people know their limits and are not too proud to ask for help when they really need it. Asking for help shows self-awareness and the willingness to learn from other people. They realise that collaboration is often the key to solving complex problems, and they value other people’s expertise.
15. “Let’s try something new.”
When faced with an obstacle, intelligent people are flexible and open to exploring new approaches. They understand that adaptability is key to finding solutions and moving forward. Their willingness to experiment with different methods helps them find the most effective solutions and keep pushing past limitations.
