The Power of One Letter

The difference between whether or not you allow yourself to do something often comes down to a single letter. Just one.

That letter is T.

It’s the only thing that separates “can” from “can’t.” Think about that. One tiny letter with so much weight. It's not about ability—it's about permission. The permission you give yourself to try, to grow, to learn. The difference isn't in skill, it's in mindset.

I’m trying to teach this to my kids. That it's okay not to know how to do something at first. In fact, it’s expected. When you’re learning something new, you’re not supposed to be good at it yet. That’s the point of learning. You’re supposed to struggle, stumble, and keep going anyway.

We forget that sometimes. We forget what it felt like to fall off a bike a dozen times, or to sound out a word for the tenth try before finally getting it right. But back then, we didn’t quit on ourselves. We didn’t say “I can’t” and walk away forever. We got up, we tried again, and eventually, we got it.

So I tell my kids: don’t give up just because it’s hard. Don’t quit just because you don’t get it yet. Because each time you keep going, you’re learning something. And when it starts to click, when the pieces come together, that’s when you celebrate. Not because you’re perfect, but because you pushed through.

And that’s not just a lesson for kids. That’s a reminder for all of us.

You didn’t give up on yourself when you were young—so why would you give up on yourself now?

Keep striving. Keep learning. Keep accelerating.

You can. Just drop the T.

Photo credit: Darryl Evans of Pure Enchantment Photography