I Can do anything - the power of goofy affirmations

A wise philosopher once said, “Haters are my motivators.”

Just kidding. I Googled it and apparently, Ellen DeGeneres said that in one of her books. Her reputation as of late is… less than favourable so let’s pretend I can reinvent the quote’s origins.

Last December, I decided I needed to step up my cardio game. I do aerial arts (pole, hoop dancing, silks) and my endurance has been lacking, to say the least. I had been a loyal Stairmaster™️ user for the last decade but it was time for a change. I settled on running. Brave, I know.

Now, when I dive headfirst into a new hobby I can’t just be a normal person about it. I need to watch every video about how to get started, why people love it, and how they go from “Noob” to “Pro.” It turns into a hyperfixation. Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s undiagnosed ADHD.

After my first run ever (a slow and steady 5k) I decided I wanted to set a big goal for myself. Something toeing the line of reachable or not. I chose to sign up for a half marathon the following spring, just 4 months away. This would give me something to work toward, keep me motivated, and help me increase my aerobic fitness. Win-win-win, right?

Then, the doubters started trickling in.

“You’re going to hurt yourself training. This goal is too big.”

“Try out a 10k instead. Relax.”

“You should really try to do your taxes on time this year.”

Okay, maybe that last warning has nothing to do with running. But still.

When someone tells me I can’t do something, my knee-jerk reaction is to say “Yes I can. I can do anything.” And when I inevitably do the thing and someone congratulates me, my response is always “Thanks. I can do anything!” My delivery here feels a little goofy because the phrase “I can do anything!” is quite toddler-esque. But when they laugh with me, there’s also a rising internal determination fuelling me.

We teach young children positive affirmations to improve their confidence and self-esteem all of the time. At what age do we drop the habit? At which point in time does it become a notch too corny?

If we do carry on an affirmation like this, it’s usually scrawled in a journal or chanted at an overpriced wellness retreat. This “I can do anything” affirmation sounds silly (and sometimes delusional) for conversational use, but oddly enough, it’s effective. It has the same kind of uplifting vibe as “fake-it-till-you-make-it” and it’s as if saying it out loud casually solidifies its meaning.

It’s a 10/10 solution for blocking out the haters and doubters, enabling you to do some pretty cool shit.

If “I can do anything” feels too strange, feel free to workshop an affirmation that feels more natural. What kind of simple yet borderline goofy affirmation can you comfortably slip into conversations?

It’s important to note that reaching your goals requires more than vocalizing the statement. I want you to think about 3 things when putting some oomph behind that “I can do anything” affirmation.

Who else accomplished this thing, and what was their starting point?

Are you sure your goal is within the realm of possibility? What did someone who has done this before start with? Are you in a similar boat?

What are the roadblocks you should expect?

The people who have done this before have surely experienced issues and made mistakes. What can you learn from that so you can breeze through?

Who can you go to for support?

Do you know any experts on the subject? How can they guide you in moments of self-doubt?

And then you go for it. Make a plan, stay consistent, and tamp down any negative thoughts. If it works for me, why can’t it work for you?

I ran that half marathon. It was tough and it’s taken me a minute to recoup, but I did it. And I’m going to run a full marathon in September.

Social media (looking at you especially, LinkedIn) is a highlight reel of everyone’s best moments. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by everyone’s accomplishments as you mentally stack your achievements up against theirs.

But if there’s a big goal you want to crush, a hobby you want to try, or a life-changing pivot you want to make, start with that goofy, conversational affirmation and run with it. I’ll be there to hand you your medal at the finish line.