What If You Came Up With Reasons Why You Can?

What If You Came Up With Reasons Why You Can?

In today's What If Wednesday, I have the honor to introduce you to my wonderful wife, Ashley. Ashley loves taking care of people and has a fascination with science, biology and dance. Though she doesn't have a blog, she stepped up to the challenge and wrote this excellent article! If you would like to guest post on my blog, click here!

As the spouse of someone who is constantly learning, growing and improving himself, I usually don’t get very far when I try to come up with reasons why I can't do something. Writing this article, for example. I am not a writer and have never claimed to be, so when I suggested this as an idea for a What If Wednesday article, I had no intention of actually writing it myself. But, as this title states, what if I came up with reasons why I could write it, or should write it, instead of reasons why I can’t.

So, here I am.

Reasons Why - Fear

Photo by hisks at http://www.sxc.hu/

There have actually been many times in our marriage that Ellory and I have encouraged each other to find motivations instead of focusing on limitations in certain situations. These discussions usually come up because of one thing. Fear.

I’m not talking about the fear you have when you walk into a haunted house, believe me that is a fear of mine that invokes a reaction no one should have to see. I am talking about the kind of fear that holds you back from being something great and from achieving something more.

When we let the fear of the unknown, and sometimes even the memories of the past, take us hostage, we let them control our lives. It is much easier to let fear, doubt and complacency take control of our minds than it is to move forward with courage and determination. The little voice in your head that tells you you can’t do something is usually much louder than the voice that tells you you can. I find this to be especially true if it is about something that is out of my comfort zone.

What if you decided to come up with reasons why you can or should do something instead of reasons why you can’t?

Instead of saying, “I can’t write a book because I don’t think a publishing company will back it,” say “I can publish my own book and create my own destiny.”

Instead of “I can’t exercise because I wouldn't know where to start,” say “I can get help from someone who does.”

In order to allow yourself to break out of the box, you have to be intentional. You have to develop ways to get to your dreams instead of focusing on things that will hold you back. (You gotta TWEET THAT!)

Use those close to you to help you expand on those goals and to encourage you on your journey. Don’t let the anxiety of failing hold you back. Don’t let the excuses creep in. Figure out how to make your dreams happen, because nothing will change if you don’t.

QUESTION: What are you making excuses for that is holding you back? I was vulnerable…now it’s your turn! Leave me a comment below by clicking here!

 

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  • Dan Erickson says:

    Great article, Ashley. Look out Ellory, she’s good and might take over. Something to fear? But seriously, this is a great message and something I try to do myself. As for making excuses about something. Hmm? Although I do exercise, I don’t do it enough because I claim I don’t have time. That’s only a partial truth.

    • Ashley says:

      Thanks Dan! I really appreciate the encouragement! This was EXTREMELY out of my comfort zone and I had a ton of excuses why I couldn’t do it…but I’m glad I did.

      I’m right there with ya on the exercise. I do a little every day but it’s not enough. A friend told me yesterday that I just need to change my mentality towards exercise and it would get easier!

  • Dan Erickson says:

    Great article, Ashley. Look out Ellory, she’s good and might take over. Something to fear? But seriously, this is a great message and something I try to do myself. As for making excuses about something. Hmm? Although I do exercise, I don’t do it enough because I claim I don’t have time. That’s only a partial truth.

    • Ashley says:

      Thanks Dan! I really appreciate the encouragement! This was EXTREMELY out of my comfort zone and I had a ton of excuses why I couldn’t do it…but I’m glad I did.

      I’m right there with ya on the exercise. I do a little every day but it’s not enough. A friend told me yesterday that I just need to change my mentality towards exercise and it would get easier!

  • Paul Martin says:

    Great and simple article. Can’t tell it any more than what it is. I remember my very first visit to a new church I attend. The speaker said a very simple statement about worry and fear, …that gap you feel…that has resonated in my head ever since. “Fill that gap with Faith, instead of Fear.” (or worry) It has helped me tremendously.
    Now, onto procrastination. 🙂

    • Ashley says:

      I LOVE that Paul! Sometimes our faith in God can be the only reason we need to step out of the fear and work towards our goals and our purpose in life.

  • Paul Martin says:

    Great and simple article. Can’t tell it any more than what it is. I remember my very first visit to a new church I attend. The speaker said a very simple statement about worry and fear, …that gap you feel…that has resonated in my head ever since. “Fill that gap with Faith, instead of Fear.” (or worry) It has helped me tremendously.
    Now, onto procrastination. 🙂

    • Ashley says:

      I LOVE that Paul! Sometimes our faith in God can be the only reason we need to step out of the fear and work towards our goals and our purpose in life.

  • Ellory Wells says:

    Great post! And to think you didn’t even want to write it in the first place. I’m so proud of you!

    Remember these? –

  • Ellory Wells says:

    Great post! And to think you didn’t even want to write it in the first place. I’m so proud of you!

    Remember these? –

  • Jim Woods says:

    Hmmm..I’ll be honest now I’m tempted to have MY wife guest post for me too 🙂 haha Great post Ashley!! I really like the following quote because it tells you how important attitude is!! “What if you decided to come up with reasons why you can or should do something instead of reasons why you can’t?”

    • Ellory Wells says:

      I can see it now… New show on Lifetime – “War of the Writer Wives” coming this fall.

      Thanks for the feedback Jim!

    • Ashley says:

      Thanks Jim!! I really appreciate all of the encouragement!! You should have your wife guest post….it, as my husband likes to say, made me stretch myself 🙂

  • Jim Woods says:

    Hmmm..I’ll be honest now I’m tempted to have MY wife guest post for me too 🙂 haha Great post Ashley!! I really like the following quote because it tells you how important attitude is!! “What if you decided to come up with reasons why you can or should do something instead of reasons why you can’t?”

    • Ellory Wells says:

      I can see it now… New show on Lifetime – “War of the Writer Wives” coming this fall.

      Thanks for the feedback Jim!

    • Ashley says:

      Thanks Jim!! I really appreciate all of the encouragement!! You should have your wife guest post….it, as my husband likes to say, made me stretch myself 🙂

  • Arlen Miller says:

    I like your title. Thanks for writing. Attitude and heart issues definitely show up in our language. Because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

  • Arlen Miller says:

    I like your title. Thanks for writing. Attitude and heart issues definitely show up in our language. Because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

  • Bridgette Petrino says:

    Great article, Ashley! I didn’t realize that you had a couple of posts on Ellory’s site!

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