"I Can't" vs. "I Don't Know How"

What's the challenge?

There's a big difference between "I can't do it" and "I don't know how to do it."

They need very different solutions.

You've probably said it at some point:

"I can't do it."

Sometimes, it's a whisper.

Sometimes, it's a full-on statement of fact.

Either way, it's worth slowing down and looking a little closer.

Because sometimes, "I can't" is hiding something else.

Sometimes, what we mean is:

"I don't know how."

And those two aren't the same.

Let's say someone wants to run a marathon.

They think about the distance. The training. The time it'll take.

And they say: "I can't."

Let's pause and ask: What's the challenge?

If their answer is something like:

"I'm just not the kind of person who could do something like that,"—now we're in belief territory.

It's not about the steps. It's about identity and belief.

That kind of block lives beneath the surface.

This is where Mental and Emotional Release® (MER®) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) come in.

They help shift the deeper patterns that hold people back before they begin.

On the other hand…

If the reason is:

"I've never trained for a marathon and don't know where to begin."

That's a strategy problem.

It doesn't necessarily require mindset work.

It requires a plan.

There are coaches, apps, communities, and doable training schedules that break it all down.

One problem says, "I'm not sure I can."

The other says, "I don't know what to do next."

Different tools. Different solutions.

Why does this matter?

Because trying to fix a strategy problem with mindset work creates frustration.

And trying to out-hustle a belief issue with effort alone? That can burn you out fast.

Before you tell yourself, "I can't," pause.

Ask yourself:

Is this a belief issue or a strategy gap?

That moment of clarity could save you a whole lot of time and a whole lot of frustration.

Enjoyed this post? Like, share, or leave a comment below!