The Power of Saying "I Can't"

Yvonne Connor·June 03, 2024

I went to law school and worked in a Big 4 accounting firm because that’s what everyone did. But that’s not my dream. It took me 8 years to stop walking someone else’s path, how about you?

In your newsletter today:

A Story of Courage: The Power of Saying "I Can't"
Finding Clarity and Direction: 3 Journal Prompts
Hypnosis to Build Confidence and Self-Worth | 20 Minutes

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A Story of Courage: The Power of Saying "I Can't"

Photo Credit - Haemin Sunim

I just have to share this inspiring story with you. It's about Haemin Sunim, a Korean Zen monk who taught me a profound lesson about “I can’t”.

You see, Haemin once had a promising academic career in the United States. He was on track to become a respected professor, a role everyone around him seemed to admire.

He followed the expectations of others, not fully realizing that academia wasn't where his heart truly lay. The job consumed him with its endless demands for publishing, research, and conferences. He felt disconnected from the students he was teaching, which was the most important part for him.

It took Haemin seven years to gather the courage to admit to himself that this path wasn't right for him. He realized that true courage doesn't always mean pushing through; sometimes, it means stepping back and saying, "I can't."

So he left his prestigious job and followed his heart back to Seoul. There, he founded the School for Broken Hearts, where he now helps others find their way to healing and growth.

His story is a powerful reminder that it's okay to recognize when a path isn't right for you. The courage to admit it can open doors you never imagined.

In his article, he also shared his guide to rethinking your life. Two points really resonated with me:

Know When to Quit: If something isn't working, it's wise to move on. This isn't failure; it's the beginning of a new journey. We often hold on too long due to fear or habit, but recognizing when it's time to let go can lead to surprising opportunities.
Don't Wait for Perfection: Don't let the pursuit of perfection stop you from starting. Begin now, even if it's not perfect, and improve along the way. The journey itself will help you grow and refine your path.

Every 2 weeks, I buckle down to my desk for 4 hours to write you a newsletter with stories, ideas and inspirations that is worthy of your time. I hated writing when I was in school and the thought of writing a biweekly newsletter would’ve given me the shivers. Even though it is not perfect, I took the first step of sending you a newsletter and I hope you are finding it valuable. Hit reply and let me know if anything in the last 19 newsletters inspired you.

There is so much stigma to saying "I can't" that we often end up blindly following the wrong path for too long before finally saying enough is enough. I'm sure we all have that one thing in our lives that, deep down, we know isn't right for us but haven't worked up the courage to face. I hope this story is a gentle nudge for you to rethink your own path.

Read the full story here.

Finding Clarity and Direction: 3 Journal Prompts

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection. Here are three prompts to help you find clarity and direction:

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in life, and how can you apply it to your future?
What are your top three priorities in life, and how can you ensure that your daily actions align with them?
What is the biggest challenge you’re currently facing, and how can you approach it with a growth mindset?

These prompts encourage you to reflect on different aspects of your life.

The first prompt helps you uncover valuable insights from past experiences to guide your future actions. Reflecting on pivotal lessons can bring clarity to your journey and highlight areas for personal growth.

The second prompt aims to align your daily actions with your core values and priorities. By clearly defining your top priorities, you can set your intentions and ensure that your daily activities align with what truly matters to you.

The third prompt invites you to face challenges with a growth mindset. By identifying your biggest challenge and approaching it as a learning opportunity, you can transform obstacles into stepping stones for personal development.

Use these prompts to delve into self-reflection and gain valuable insights into your life's journey.

Inspire others with your responses to these prompts. Simply reply to this email. I would love to share it with our community.

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Did You Know

People who pursue their passions tend to live longer and healthier lives? Engaging in activities that align with your values and bring joy can significantly improve your overall well-being.

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Hypnosis to Build Confidence and Self-Worth | 20 Minutes

If you're looking for a way to boost your confidence and self-worth, then this guided meditation is for you. It's a 20-minute journey that uses affirmations to help you feel more grounded in your body and confident in yourself.

You'll tap into your natural confidence and worth while exploring the belief patterns that might be holding you back. This meditation will help you uncover and understand the roots of your self-doubt, so you can gently reframe those thoughts to embrace your true worth.