From Overwhelmed to Hopeful: The Power of One Word
Anxiety can make you feel stuck, as if you're trapped in a cycle of worrying thoughts or avoidance behaviors that you just can’t break. Whether it's avoiding flying, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, or struggling to make decisions, these patterns of anxiety can feel like they're carved in stone.
But here’s the good news: there’s a simple, powerful tool that can help you shift your mindset and see the possibility for growth, even when change feels impossible. And that tool, my friend, is the word “yet.”
The Power of Yet is simple but oh, so powerful. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at handling my anxiety,” try saying, “I’m not good at handling my anxiety yet.” That one little word opens the door to progress. It’s a reminder that just because you’re not where you want to be today doesn’t mean you’ll never get there. You are on your way, and it’s important to recognize that.
Feeling Stuck Is Part of the Process
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your anxiety, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a normal part of the process. So many of my clients share these same struggles:
“I’m not good at handling my emotions.”
“I can’t deal with turbulence.”
“I don’t like flying and I’ll never be able to enjoy it.”
“I’m not good at sitting with discomfort.”
“I’m not confident in my ability to make decisions.”
“I can’t say no to OCD.”
These thoughts are rooted in fear and doubt. And while they feel heavy, they’re not permanent. The word “yet” adds a sense of possibility. It’s a small but powerful reminder that you are capable of growth.
Shifting From Fixed to Growth Mindset
When you embrace the Power of Yet, you make room for growth—no matter where you are in your journey. Instead of being stuck in the mindset of “I can’t,” you can shift to “I can’t yet.” This subtle change helps you approach challenges with more patience, knowing that skills take time to develop.
Here’s how you can reframe common anxiety-related thoughts using the Power of Yet:
Instead of: "I’m not good at handling my emotions."
Try: "I’m not good at handling my emotions yet, but I’m working on building that skill every day."Instead of: "I’ll never be able to relax during a flight."
Try: "I haven’t been able to relax during a flight yet, but I’m taking steps toward feeling more comfortable."Instead of: "I can’t handle turbulence."
Try: "I can’t handle turbulence yet, but I’m learning tools to manage my fear."Instead of: "I’m not good at sitting with discomfort."
Try: "I’m not good at sitting with discomfort yet, but I know I can build that muscle over time."Instead of: "I don’t trust myself to make decisions."
Try: "I’m not confident in my decision-making yet, but I’m working on trusting my judgment."Instead of: "I can’t say no to OCD."
Try: "I haven’t been able to say no to OCD yet, but I’m learning how to resist compulsions and sit with discomfort."
Practical Strategy: Create a Daily Affirmation Practice
Now that you understand the power of yet, it’s time to start using it in your daily life. I get it, this likely isn’t a mindset that comes naturally. It takes practice and intentionality to make the shift—but that’s where daily practice can make all the difference.
Here’s how you can create a simple daily affirmation practice to build the Power of Yet into your routine:
Identify areas where you feel stuck: Write down the thoughts that make you feel like you’re not making progress, such as "I can’t manage my anxiety."
Add 'yet': Reframe each thought by adding "yet" to the end. For example, "I can’t manage my anxiety yet, but I’m learning strategies to cope."
Repeat: Say these new statements out loud every day, preferably in the morning, to start your day with a growth-oriented mindset. Or, record yourself reading them and listen while you go about your day.
Track your progress: Over time, notice how your thinking shifts. Even small changes are signs of growth.
Reflective Questions: Embrace the Possibility of Growth
Incorporating the Power of Yet into your life can make a huge difference in how you approach challenges. But it’s also important to take time to reflect on where you might be holding yourself back. Consider these questions to keep you moving forward:
In what areas of your life do you feel stuck?
How might adding the word “yet” to your thoughts create a new sense of possibility for you?
What’s one area where you’ve already made progress, even if it feels small?
How can you be more patient with yourself as you work toward your goals?
Conclusion
Feeling stuck is a normal part of working through anxiety, but it doesn’t mean you’re destined to stay there. The Power of Yet reminds you that you are capable of change, even when it feels like you’re not. By shifting your language and mindset, you open the door to growth, possibility, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Remember, progress takes time. Be patient with yourself, and keep adding "yet" to your journey.
