Sure you could, you just don't want to. You just tell yourself that you can't so you don't have to consider it. When we think of doing something we are drawn to but is out of our comfort zone, it creates conflict and tension.

Plus, there is the fear of doing it. The most convenient way to alleviate the tension and fear is to take away the thing we are drawn to. Such is the death of many possibilities, invitations, and ideas- before they ever get a chance.

If we would just be willing to endure the tension and fear for a little while, some of these possibilities might stand a chance. But many of us succumb to such tension and fear. Much easier to dismiss it with nary a thought.

An unfortunate by-product of this is that we are continually telling ourselves that we cannot do things. Pretty soon we start believing it. Before long, we create a belief system that we are incapable.

When you think about it, it is easier to see yourself as being incapable. Then we don't have to take responsibility for our choices.

One way to break this tendency is to own that you could do it, but don't want to. Or that you could do it, but it would be really scary. Or you might fail. Or it would be really hard.

And so forth. At least this way, you are being honest with yourself. And you are forcing yourself to deal with the possibilities that are presenting themselves to you.

Although that is rarely comfortable either. I suppose if you want access to the doorways that are opening themselves to you, you may have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash