Do It Because You Think You Can’t | by Jennifer Slukynsky

The courage you need is often hidden inside the thing you’re trying to avoid.

We’re taught to trust our gut. To pay attention to resistance. To follow the path of ease. And sometimes, that’s the right move. But not always.

Because sometimes, “I can’t” isn’t a red light—it’s a dare.

It’s your nervous system flaring up, sure. But it’s also your growth calling. Your fear of failing can disguise itself as wisdom. Your perfectionism can wear the mask of practicality. And before you know it, you’re sitting on the sidelines of a life you were meant to be fully in.

The Voice of Doubt Isn't Always Right

That little voice in your head that whispers “you’re not ready,” “you’re not good enough,” “you’ll probably mess it up”—it's persistent, but not prophetic.

In fact, the louder the resistance, the more meaningful the pursuit. The idea that lights you up and terrifies you a little? That’s the one worth chasing. If it didn’t matter, you wouldn’t be scared.

Growth Lives in the Discomfort Zone

Most people wait to feel confident before they start. But confidence is the reward, not the requirement. You don’t become brave by thinking about it. You become brave by doing the thing—even while your hands are shaking.

You don’t have to silence all your doubts to move forward. You just have to make them walk beside you while you keep going.

Choose the Hard Thing on Purpose

What if you made decisions not in spite of your fear, but because of it?

• Apply for the role you think is a stretch.

• Sign up for the class you’re sure you’ll be the worst in.

• Say yes to the opportunity you feel unqualified for.

• Speak up when your instinct is to stay quiet.

Choosing what scares you doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being honest about where you’ve been playing small. It means trusting that what looks like a weakness is often the edge of your next breakthrough.

Fear is a Signpost, Not a Stop Sign

So the next time you hear yourself say, “I can’t”—pause. Breathe. And ask: What if I did it anyway?

What if that feeling is exactly the reason you should?

Because sometimes the only thing between you and what you want… is the decision to try.