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"No dejes que lo que no puedes hacer interfiera con lo que puedes hacer."

John Wooden
John Wooden Basketball Coach
Translations
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is simple yet profound: focus on what you can do, not on what you can't. It's about directing your energy towards your strengths and capabilities rather than getting bogged down by limitations or obstacles. It's a mindset that encourages action and positivity, helping you make the most of your current situation.

Imagine a time when this wisdom really mattered. During the Great Depression, people faced immense hardship. Jobs were scarce, and resources were limited. Yet, many found ways to survive and even thrive. They didn't let what they couldn't control, like the economy, stop them from finding creative solutions to their problems. They focused on what they could do—whether it was growing their own food, bartering services, or finding odd jobs.

Let's bring it closer to home with a real-life example. Think about J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before she became a household name, she was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. She couldn't control her financial situation or the numerous rejections from publishers. But she didn't let that stop her. She focused on what she could do: write. She wrote whenever she could, often in cafés while her daughter napped. Eventually, her perseverance paid off, and the rest is history.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by identifying what you're passionate about or good at. Make a list if you need to. Then, take small, actionable steps towards those goals. Don't worry about the things you can't change or do right now. Instead, pour your energy into the things you can change and do. It might be as simple as dedicating 30 minutes a day to a hobby or skill you want to develop.

Picture a scenario: You're at work, facing a huge project with tight deadlines and limited resources. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. But instead of focusing on what you don't have—time, extra help, unlimited budget—think about what you do have. Maybe you're great at organizing, or you have a knack for rallying your team. Use those strengths. Break the project into smaller tasks. Delegate where you can. Keep moving forward.

Or think about personal fitness. Maybe you want to run a marathon, but right now, you can barely jog a mile. Don't let that discourage you. Start with what you can do. Maybe it's walking briskly for 15 minutes a day or jogging for short intervals. Gradually, you'll build your stamina and get closer to your goal.

In all these examples, the key is to shift your focus from limitations to possibilities. It’s about taking control of your narrative, no matter how small the steps may seem. Life’s too short to let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can. So, embrace your strengths, lean into your abilities, and keep pushing forward. You never know where it might lead you.
Related tags
Determination Focus Inspiration Mindset Motivation Overcoming obstacles Perseverance Positivity Self-improvement Success
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