Discover the Three-Letter Word That Can Supercharge Your Growth Mindset
We all hit walls—moments when our goals feel just out of reach. But what if the difference between feeling stuck and breaking through was as simple as a single, three-letter word?
You’ve probably heard (or thought) these phrases:
“I can’t solve this problem.”
“I can’t run 26.2 miles!”
“I’m not a good singer.”
These thoughts stop us in our tracks. But try adding this tiny word and see what happens:
“I can’t solve this problem yet.”
“I can’t run 26.2 miles yet.”
“I’m not a good singer yet.”
Did you feel the difference? That single word—yet—turns a dead end into a door, a “no” into a “not now.” It shifts from passive honesty to active action towards growth. It tells you that your current state is temporary, that progress is possible if you keep at it.
“Yet” sparks hope and invites action. It gives you the courage to try, to keep an open mind, and to see yourself as a work in progress. Even if there are real limits you might face due to age, time, physical condition, or other life circumstances, “yet” keeps the door open for growth and possibility.
How “Yet” Encourages Growth
Adding “yet” isn’t about blindly hoping things will change—it’s a first step toward action. Once you’re open to the possibility of change, consider these questions:
How committed am I to pursuing this?
Why is this important to me now?
What sacrifices might this involve?
Will this bring temporary gains or lasting value?
Does this align with my personal values?
Would this complement my goals?
What happens if I don’t pursue this right now?
Not every goal needs to be pursued immediately, and sometimes the answer might even be “do nothing”—a response I explored in another post here.
Every answer to these questions is uniquely yours. But remember, next time you feel limited, try using “yet.” It might just be the spark that turns your impossibles into possibles!
This blog post was written by Jomel Reyes Losorata with the help of AI