Stop Trying to Fix People
Time Tip Tuesday
From "I Can't" to "Not Yet"
Over the past several months, I've had the privilege of serving as a team leader at City Union Mission. I've listened to story after story from men who have experienced homelessness, addiction, trauma, broken relationships, and setbacks that many of us can hardly imagine.
What strikes me every single time is this:
Their greatest obstacle usually isn't a lack of ability.
It's a lack of belief.
Many have heard messages their entire lives that sound like this:
"I'll never change."
"I'm not smart enough."
"I've never done that before."
"I'm not worthy."
"I always mess things up."
Sometimes those beliefs came from others. Often, they became judgments they carried about themselves.
As I've taught Rocket Fuel for Your Next Adventure, we've spent a lot of time talking about mindset, emotional intelligence, and the stories we tell ourselves.
One of my favorite moments happens when someone says:
"I don't know how to do that."
I simply ask them to add one word.
Yet.
"I don't know how to do that... yet."
Everything changes.
That tiny word moves us from certainty to possibility.
From a fixed identity to growth.
From fog to focus.
The truth is, most people don't need someone to fix them.
They need someone to believe in them long enough for them to begin believing in themselves.
That's why coaching matters.
It's why motivational interviewing is so powerful. Instead of telling people what to do or trying to rescue them, we help them uncover their own strengths, confidence, and next steps.
People take ownership of change they discover for themselves.
This Week's Time Tip
Listen for your "I can't" statements.
Then ask yourself:
What if I simply added the word "yet"?
• I haven't figured this out... yet.
• I don't know how to have that conversation... yet.
• I haven't built the business I want... yet.
• I haven't reached that goal... yet.
"Yet" creates space for learning. It invites curiosity instead of judgment. It reminds us that where we are today is not where we have to stay.
From Fog to Focus to Freedom
Fog says:
"I can't."
Focus says:
"I can't do that yet, but I'm willing to learn."
Freedom says:
"Look how far I've come."
Maybe this week, the next step isn't fixing everything.
Maybe it's simply replacing one word and choosing to believe that growth is still possible.
Because your story isn't over.
Not yet.
Until next Tuesday,
Chad Earhart
Fog to Focus
Helping people move from Fog → Focus → Freedom
P.S. If you have thought about about starting a business, and saying not yet, then click HERE and see how easy it could be to start YOUR online business. I built this business in one week. Call me to get going on your dream!
