It’s funny how three letters (Y-E-T) can change how we see the world. Yet is a simple word, often overlooked, but its impact on your mindset is profound. I’ve seen it firsthand in my work with athletes, executives, and people from all walks of life. Those who embrace “yet” tend to keep moving forward, while those who don’t often stall out before they start.

Why “Yet” Matters

We all hit roadblocks. It’s part of life. You try something new, and it doesn’t go well. Your first instinct might be to say, “I can’t do this.” But when you add “yet” to that sentence, “I can’t do this yet,” you’ve shifted from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

That slight adjustment makes all the difference. Instead of declaring an endpoint, you’re giving yourself room to improve. It signals to your brain that learning and progress are still on the table.

Think about some of the most successful people you know. They didn’t start off as experts. They started as people who believed they could get better. The only difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is that the successful ones kept showing up.

Rewiring the Way You Think

I was working with a young athlete who struggled with free throws a while back. Every time he missed, he got frustrated, shaking his head and muttering, “I suck at free throws.”

I simply asked him to change that statement to “I’m not good at free throws yet.”

At first, he thought it was a silly exercise, but it made a real difference over time. Instead of shutting down, he started working on his form with curiosity instead of frustration. A few months later, his confidence at the line had skyrocketed—not because he magically became a better shooter, but because he got out of his own way and allowed himself to get better.

Your thoughts and words matter more than you realize. The way you talk to yourself affects your actions. And your actions? They determine everything.

Final Thought: Stop Writing Yourself Off Too Soon

If I had a dollar for every person who gave up on something too soon, I’d be writing this from my own private island. The truth is, most people don’t fail—they quit before they succeed. They assume they aren’t capable, when in reality, they just haven’t put in the time and effort to get there yet.

Next time you feel stuck, remember that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep moving forward!

You can follow Sam on Twitter: @SuperTaoInc

Posted in The Mind Side Blog