Outside of being a writer, I have a few years in customer service. Dealing with phone conversations for a good portion of my work day we are asked to stay away from five taboo phrases - I can't do that, beginning a sentence with "no," hold on, I don't know, and you have to. The one that hits the hardest is "I can't do that." Not only in polite conversation with customers but also in life.
Recently I had a crazy idea to asked to be trained for a higher position in my non-writing job. As the idea excited me to be there and help my manager more with time and tasks that would in turn allow him be able to do the things he needed to and not be overworked and stressed. In his personal life he already is dealing with the word "cancer" in his family and all that it entails with doctor appointments, time, and living as much as possible each day. He cannot do that if he is at work 60 hours + each week.
As time goes on and I see more and more changes in work in general and think about that higher position, I get scared. The phrase "I can't do that" freezes my heart and put thoughts in my mind that it was a stupid idea. I feel like I am not educated enough. I do not have enough experience. However, the worse scenario that plays is that I will mess something up and be told, "I knew you couldn't do it." It could come from anyone, but I know the first person to say it, or admit to it, is me.
I want to make it a taboo phrase. Not only at work where I would deny customers a certain service in a rude way, but in my life. I know that "I can do all things through God who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). That phrase has to be my can do phrase. If I am going to do anything in life, I need to take this taboo phrase and turn it around into a positive to do what I need to do. If I should make a mistake, it only another stepping stone in life of learning, not an excuse to turn tail and run.
If you feel the taboo tickling the back of your brain, turn it around into a can-do and do it.
