This article was initially published on ICONREFINED

While some people are afraid to take the first step on the way to their dreams, others say “no” to an opportunity coming their way. But what if we put our fear aside, and instead of saying “no or “not now”, we say “why not”?

Have you ever had an idea or vision but hesitated to act on it? Maybe you wanted to change your career path and weren’t sure if that’s the right choice? Or maybe you wanted to treat yourself by going on an expensive vacation, participate in a competition, try out something new, but had a feeling you didn’t deserve it, or it is just bad timing?

The truth is, each of us had a situation in our lives when we would say “no” or “not now”. However, sometimes we could change our lives drastically if we’d just took a minute and for once asked ourselves, “why not”.

Why do we say “no”?

Indeed, there are many reasons one could push an idea to the back of his or her mind. One of the common reasons is not enough resources, which can be financial, physical, mental resources, or other.

However, more often than not, we say no” instantly, without even starting to think about those aspects honestly. It happens because our mindset is fixed on how things are going or supposed to go.

How can we shift this mindset?

Next time an opportunity shows to you or “a crazy idea“ comes to your mind, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Why not me?

We are our worst critics. In many cases, it’s not an absence of talent that kills our success. It’s our self-doubt. Next time you want to start doubting yourself and thinking you are not good enough, ask yourself: Why not me?

If you can’t find a good reason, then go for it. If there are some skills you need to improve, then go and learn them!

2. Why not this?

Let’s say you have an idea for a book, but you are reluctant to share it with others. If you have self-doubt whether you are cut for writing a book, check the previous question. But maybe you are just unsure that someone will ever be interested in your idea. Then ask yourself: Why wouldn’t someone be interested in this? Why not this idea?

There are probably books about any possible topic available. Yet, still, you can create something utterly unique because no one will have the same experiences, skills, thoughts, failures, and successes as you. You are unique, and so can be your idea.

3. Why not now?

“I want to start losing weight and working out, but just not now.”
“I want to travel to an exotic country, but not now.”
“I want to start learning a new language, but not now.”

I could give you an infinite number of similar sayings I’ve heard and what people say regularly. Of course, sometimes you can’t do certain things, and it’s ok. More often than not, we are the ones who create those limitations. Stop saying why you can’t do what you want. Ask yourself why you can’t do it now? I’m a true believer that we can do almost everything if we truly want it. We can find time and money, and we can multitask.

We start seeing the ways we can.