"Porque una cosa te parezca difícil, no pienses que es imposible para cualquiera lograrla."

Sometimes, when you're faced with a tough challenge, it's easy to believe that if it's hard for you, it's probably impossible for anyone else too. But here's the kicker — that's just not true. Just because something feels difficult to you, doesn't mean it's impossible for others to achieve.

Think back to when this idea first popped up. It's not new. In fact, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was also a stoic philosopher, wrote something along these lines in his famous work, "Meditations." He believed that our perceptions can cloud our judgment and limit our potential. So, when he said things like this, it was to remind himself (and us) that our limitations are often self-imposed.

Let me paint you a picture with a real-life example. Picture John, an average guy who always struggled with math. Throughout high school, he barely scraped by, convinced that complex equations were just beyond his grasp. Fast forward a few years, and his younger sister, Sarah, whizzes through calculus with ease. She even goes on to become a rocket scientist (literally). Now, did the equations change? No. What changed was the person tackling the problem. What was almost insurmountable for John was a piece of cake for Sarah. This happens all the time — one person's Everest is another's molehill.

So, how can we use this wisdom in our daily lives? Start by shifting your mindset. When you hit a roadblock, don't throw your hands up in defeat. Instead, ask yourself: "How can this be done?" or "Who might be able to help?" There's a world of difference in thinking something is impossible versus thinking you just haven't figured it out yet. Consider seeking advice from others, taking a new approach, or even just giving it more time.

Imagine you're trying to learn to play the guitar. Your fingers feel clumsy, and every chord sounds like a dying cat. It's frustrating. You might think, "I'll never get this." But then you watch a kid on YouTube who plays like Hendrix, and he's only 10. Does that mean you can't do it? Absolutely not. It simply means that with practice, patience, and maybe a few lessons, you can get there too. The difficulty you’re experiencing doesn’t render the task impossible — it just means you're not there yet.

Here's a relatable story: Emma wanted to run a marathon. For years, she thought it was an impossible dream because she could barely run a mile without gasping for air. But one day, she decided to start small. She ran a little each day, slowly increasing her distance. Along the way, she met people who shared their tips and motivated her to keep going. She realized that what once seemed impossible was just a series of small, manageable steps. A year later, Emma crossed the marathon finish line, proving to herself that difficult didn’t mean impossible.

So next time you're faced with something that seems insurmountable, remember: just because it's hard for you doesn't mean it's impossible. Break it down, seek help, and keep pushing forward. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.