Imagine you’re facing a challenge that seems insurmountable. Maybe it’s launching a new business, learning a complex skill, or solving a particularly-

Imagine you’re facing a challenge that seems insurmountable. Maybe it’s launching a new business, learning a complex skill, or solving a particularly tough problem. In these moments, it’s easy to say, “I can’t do this.” But what if, instead of ending the sentence there, you added just one small word? “I can’t do this… yet.” This simple shift—adding the word “yet”—can have a profound impact on your mindset and your willingness to grow. Let’s dive deeper into why this small change is so powerful and how you can apply it to your entrepreneurial journey.

The Power of “Yet”: Changing Your Narrative

When you say, “I can’t,” you close the door on possibility. It’s a final statement that implies that your current limitations are permanent. However, adding “yet” changes the narrative completely. Suddenly, the statement becomes temporary. “I can’t do this yet” implies that you believe in your ability to grow, improve, and overcome the challenge—just not at this exact moment.

This shift is rooted in what Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, calls the growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. When you embrace a growth mindset, you see setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to learn. And the simple addition of the word “yet” is a key part of this mindset shift.

Why Does “Yet” Matter for Entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs face challenges on a daily basis. Whether it’s dealing with market uncertainties, struggling to secure funding, or navigating complex team dynamics, the obstacles can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it’s crucial to maintain a perspective that keeps you moving forward. The word “yet” can be the difference between giving up and finding a new way to succeed.

Take, for example, an entrepreneur who is trying to learn the ropes of digital marketing. They might initially struggle with understanding SEO, content strategies, or paid advertising. It’s easy to feel defeated and say, “I just can’t figure this out.” But adding “yet” transforms the situation: “I just can’t figure this out yet.” This subtle change implies that with time, effort, and perhaps a few more online courses or expert consultations, they will eventually understand it.

The law of insertion is at play here—a concept that means inserting an empowering phrase or belief where previously there was a limiting one. By inserting “yet” into your self-talk, you reframe the limitation into an opportunity for growth. Instead of a roadblock, the challenge becomes a hurdle that you’re capable of overcoming with persistence and learning.

How “Yet” Fosters Resilience

Resilience is one of the most important traits an entrepreneur can possess. Business is full of setbacks, from failed product launches to missed opportunities. The entrepreneurs who succeed are not the ones who never fail but those who learn from their failures and keep going. The word “yet” fosters resilience by reminding you that failure is not the end—it’s simply part of the journey.

Imagine pitching your idea to investors and getting rejected. It’s easy to walk away from that experience feeling disheartened, thinking, “I’m just not good at pitching.” But by adding “yet,” you change the story: “I’m just not good at pitching yet.” This new perspective encourages you to refine your pitch, seek feedback, and keep improving until you get the “yes” you’re looking for.

The Impact on Innovation

Innovation requires a willingness to experiment, take risks, and, inevitably, fail along the way. When you adopt a growth mindset and incorporate the power of “yet,” you give yourself the freedom to explore new ideas without the fear of immediate success. You understand that mastery and breakthroughs don’t happen overnight.

For example, consider an entrepreneur developing a new tech product. The first prototype might be riddled with issues, and initial user feedback could be less than stellar. Without a growth mindset, it’s tempting to think, “This product will never work.” However, a growth-minded entrepreneur would think, “This product doesn’t work yet.” This shift allows for continued iteration, leading to improvements and, ultimately, a successful innovation.

Applying “Yet” to Everyday Challenges

The beauty of “yet” is that it can be applied to nearly every aspect of entrepreneurship—and life. Whether you’re struggling with public speaking, trying to build a strong team, or learning to code, “yet” keeps the door open for progress. It’s a reminder that your current limitations are not permanent, and with effort, you can overcome them.

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I can’t do this,” pause and add “yet.” Notice how this small change affects your motivation and willingness to keep going. It’s a reminder that growth is always possible, and that challenges are just opportunities waiting to be conquered.

Summary: The Power of “Yet” in Your Entrepreneurial Journey

The difference between “I can’t” and “I can’t yet” is more than just a word—it’s a fundamental shift in how you view yourself and your abilities. By embracing the power of “yet,” you cultivate a growth mindset that drives resilience, fosters innovation, and encourages continual learning. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with a growth mindset, every “no” becomes “not yet,” and every setback becomes an opportunity to grow.

At The Academy World , we are committed to helping entrepreneurs embrace this growth mindset. Our programs are designed to provide the tools, support, and community needed to navigate challenges, innovate, and grow. If you’re ready to take your mindset to the next level and learn how to transform obstacles into opportunities, sign up for our newsletter, 'The Growth Mindset: Laying the Foundation for Success.' Let’s grow together—one “yet” at a time.