Imagine two people facing the same challenge. One sighs and says:
"I can't do this."

The other takes a deep breath, maybe smiles slightly, and says:
"I can't do this... yet."

The difference? One small word – but with a power that can change how we see ourselves, our possibilities, and our future. That little 'yet' is the key to a growth mindset, or if you prefer, a development-oriented mindset , a mindset that opens doors instead of closing them.

From failure to opportunity – Carol Dweck's insight

The concept growth mindset was first mentioned by the psychologist. Carol Dweck. She discovered that what distinguishes people who continue to grow from those who stagnate is not talent or intelligence – but the belief that development is possible.

Dweck talks about a school in Chicago where students who did not pass a test received the grade. ”Not Yet” instead of 'Failed.' That little word changed everything. Suddenly, it was not about a final failure, but about an ongoing journey. A path where the goal may not be reached yet, but where the possibility still exists.

How often do we get stuck in 'I can't'?

As leaders, it is easy to feel the pressure to already know, already understand, and already master. We set the bar high for ourselves and can quickly feel inadequate when we encounter something new.

"I am not good at giving feedback."
"I don't understand this technology."
"I can't lead a global team effectively."

But what if we just added "yet"?

• "I am not good at giving feedback... yet."
• "I don't understand this technology... yet."
• "I can't lead a global team effectively... yet."

Suddenly, a door opens. An opportunity to grow.

What does this have to do with coaching?

Coaching is fundamentally about helping people find their own "yet". It is a conversation where challenges are seen as opportunities, where obstacles become lessons, and where development is an ongoing process, not a final destination.

As a coach, I ask questions such as:

• What is stopping you from believing that you can?
• How would it feel if you saw this as something you just haven't learned... yet?
• What steps can you take to get closer to your vision?

It's not about providing ready-made answers. It's about helping you see that you have the ability to grow – even if you're not there yet.

A story about 'yet' – and an unexpected hero

Did you know that Michael Jordan, one of the world's greatest basketball players, actually lost his spot on the school's basketball team as a young boy? He wasn't good enough. Not yet. But instead of giving up, he decided to train harder, play more, and grow.

He himself said:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Jordan had a growth mindset. He saw every missed opportunity as part of the journey, not as an end.

What would happen if you added 'yet' to your leadership?

What doors would open if you stopped seeing limitations as permanent? What if you could face every challenge with curiosity instead of fear?

Maybe it's time to replace:
❌ "I can't."
✅ With: "I can't... yet."

That's where the change begins.
That's where coaching can help you find your next step.

👉 Ready to discover what awaits on the other side of 'yet'?
Book a conversation with me here and let's explore your journey towards a leadership where you never stop growing.