Turning “Can’t” Into “Can”: The Mindset That Moves Projects Forward


When we’re faced with challenges at work, it’s easy to default to “I can’t.”
“I can’t do this yet because…” may feel factual, but it unintentionally stops progress and places responsibility elsewhere. Successful teams don’t stop at the obstacle—they communicate solutions, next steps, and ownership.


A more productive approach starts with reframing. Instead of saying,

“I can’t write the content yet because we don’t have a questionnaire,”

you could say:

“We don’t have a questionnaire yet, but I referenced their existing website to start a partial version of the content. I made sure all offers and forms are included and have a good sense of their tone. I’ll review and refine once the questionnaire is complete. I also reminded the advisor, [NAME], to fill it out with the client during their next meeting. I noticed the client hasn’t had that meeting scheduled yet, so I also asked the advisor to text the client to get it booked.”

See the difference? The second response moves the project forward. It communicates initiative, progress, awareness, and collaboration.


This kind of solution-oriented mindset doesn’t ignore roadblocks—it acknowledges them while focusing on what can be done right now.
When everyone on a team uses “can” statements, it builds momentum. It keeps communication proactive, not reactive. It shows ownership, creativity, and a genuine commitment to results.


Next time you find yourself saying, “I can’t,” pause and reframe it:

  • What can I do right now?

  • Who can I communicate with to move this forward?

  • How can I show progress despite limitations?

The difference between a stalled project and a successful one often comes down to this single shift—from “can’t” to “can.”