Turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I’m learning.’

It’s normal to feel stuck sometimes and hear that little voice say, “I can’t.” I want you to know that those words are not a truth stamp — they’re a sign your brain is meeting something new. As your mentor, I’ve seen how a tiny change in words can change how you feel and what you try next. Swapping “I can’t” for “I’m learning” doesn’t mean the hard parts disappear. It means you are giving yourself a chance to grow, to try again, and to notice small wins along the way.

When you say “I’m learning,” you remind yourself that skills come with practice, not magic. It helps you see mistakes as clues, not as failures. For example, if a math problem feels impossible, saying “I’m learning” makes it easier to break the problem into smaller steps or ask someone to explain a part. It also makes it easier to keep going after a tough attempt, because you’re focused on practice instead of perfection. That shift helps your confidence build up, one step at a time.

Here are some short phrases you can try when you want to move away from “I can’t.” Use them out loud or quietly in your head — they work both ways: - “I’m learning.” “I can try.” “I’m getting better.” “I need more practice.” “Mistakes help me learn.” “I’ll try one small step.” “Can you help me understand?” “I can take a break and come back.” “I used to be bad at this, but I improved.” “What’s one thing I can do right now?”

Using these phrases is a kind of practice itself. Start small: pick one phrase to use this week and say it whenever you feel stuck. Pair words with action. If you say, “I’ll try one small step,” actually choose one tiny step — like drawing the first line of a picture, solving one example problem, or practicing a verse of a song for just five minutes. Tiny wins add up faster than you think, and they help you notice progress instead of panic.

It’s also okay to ask for help. Saying “I’m learning” doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out alone. Ask a teacher, friend, sibling, or adult to show you a different way. Sometimes watching someone else do a task or hearing them explain makes everything click. And when things don’t go well, don’t erase the effort — celebrate it. Tell yourself, “I tried,” and decide what you’ll try next. Rest is part of learning too; taking a short break can make your next attempt much better.

Remember, changing one small sentence can change a whole day. “I’m learning” is a tiny superpower that keeps doors open to trying again and growing. Keep practicing the phrase, notice small steps forward, and be kind to yourself — you’re on your way.