Can't vs Won't: The Choice is Yours

Every day at our store, we interact with individuals who are in the process of coming to terms mentally and physically with their low vision condition. Many of them are understandably frustrated by what they feel they can no longer do. The most common problems we hear are, "I can't read anymore," "I can't cook anymore," "I can't do things as independently as I used to."

But then something exciting happens - they learn they actually CAN. When they open their minds  and consider some of the amazing solutions available, they realize that with some change, modification and assistance, they can regain parts of their old selves again. And, best of all, create new parts of self. Unfortunately we also see another scenario quite often  - customers who learn about amazing solutions, realize the possibilities available to them but still don't take action.

As many of you know, I have been legally blind since childhood. As founder of Vision Dynamics and a public speaker, I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with so many people with low vision, spanning decades in age. I've noticed a common theme amongst the ones who do not want to proactively adjust their lives and who find themselves constantly complaining about their condition - that is mindset. They are plagued with the "I Can't" negative self-talk. I often ask them to consider whether they CAN'T or they WON'T and to truly think about the difference between the two terms.

If you have something in your life that you find yourself consistently complaining about - whether it's your vision, your job, a relationship, money, or anything else, it's time to tell yourself that "enough is enough." It is time to convert your thinking to the "I CAN" mindset. You can do something about it. You can make healthy decisions and beneficial choices, even if it requires adjusting to some change. And if people close to you are suffering from a case of the "I Can'ts," then encourage them take action to help them find solutions and embrace the changes that are for the positive. Change can be scary and uncomfortable, but the payoff can be sweet.

If there's one thing you CAN'T do this month, it's force your team to win the NCAA brackets. That's up to sheer luck. But if there's something you CAN do this month, it's to determine what the proverbial pot of gold is at the end of your rainbow and take the first steps toward reaping the rewards. May March bring you great happiness.

What's Your Excuse?

As the mercury drops in these cold, winter months, it seems like the only thing that heats up is our complaining. It starts out with, "February is too cold!" Have you been complaining of the cold?  Did you ever stop and really think about why people complain? Yes, it's cold. But do they think somehow we are going to warm it up for them? Will complaining about it somehow make it warmer?

What you focus on grows. By fixating on what you do not like, you usually get more of it.I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to hear the negative "poor me’s." Among the common complaints I have heard just recently are:My boss is a jerk.
I do not like my job.
Taxes are killing me.
I don't have enough time to work out or cook.
I never have time to eat a healthy meal.
Gas prices are too high.
My parents are a pain in the butt.
And the list goes on...

I was once a first class complainer. It all started with my Eye Disease. Eventually it snowballed and everything else became the problem - everything except me.

So next time you find yourself complaining, take a moment to see if you can provide your own solution. If you are cold, ask yourself  "Can I just put on some warmer clothes or turn on my fireplace? Can I run in place or do something to increase my heart rate and circulation?" The bottom line is you can always do something. Complainers would rather not because they like sitting on the problem. In my opinion, if you live in this great country and are alive and breathing to read this, then it's time to put your complaints in perspective.

Now throw on an extra sweater and get going! Just like the blind guy in the picture above who is out for a winter hike and feeling grateful for everything he DOES have.