As an organizational leader, I have seen countless people fall victim to the trap of “if only.” It’s a phrase that is all too familiar to many of us. We think about all the things we could have done, should have done, and would have done if only we had the time, resources, or opportunity. We dwell on our missed chances and regret the choices we made. But what if we looked at life differently and said, “I was able.”
I was able to obtain my bachelor’s. I was able to finish my master’s degree. I was able to move to San Antonio, Texas with my family.
With a clear and open mind, the what-ifs can be transformed into “I was able.” The power of these words lies in the fact that they represent our accomplishments, successes, and victories.
When we say “I was able,” we acknowledge our ability to overcome obstacles, our resilience in the face of adversity, and our determination to succeed. What makes this possible is the belief in something greater than ourselves.
For me, that something is God, the great I am.
When I ask God how I will make it through a challenging environment, he always responds, “I am.”
When I ask who will help me complete my book, his response is a mountain-moving, earth-shaking “I am.”
God’s grace and love are my constant reminder that I do not have to live life according to the “if only.” I have a more fulfilling life with “I am able.”
The Power of Perspective
When we shift our perspective from “if only” to “I was able,” we open ourselves to a world of possibilities. We start seeing our lives as a series of victories rather than a string of missed opportunities. We begin to focus on what we have achieved rather than what we didn’t. This change in mindset is transformative, and it can have a significant impact on our lives.
Consider for a moment how often you have said “if only” in the past week, month, or year. How much energy have you spent dwelling on missed opportunities and regretting your choices?
Now think about how different your life would look if you replaced each one of those “if onlys” with “I was able.” How would it feel to focus on your accomplishments, your strengths, and your victories?
Let’s transform our “if onlys” into “I was ables.” Let’s start focusing on the positive and the possible rather than the negative and the missed. Let’s acknowledge our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. With faith in ourselves and the support of a higher power, we can achieve our dreams and live a more fulfilling life.
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