"YET" is a Powerful 3 Letter Word
Coaching Tip # 57
I love the word “yet”.
There is an inherent promise in this word. It says to me, “maybe not this time, but keep working on it”. This three-letter word represents a symbol of hope for our future results. With one monosyllabic pronunciation of it, it can shift a thought of “can’t” into a motivation of “keep trying”.
We must believe in the possibility of “yet”. If we do not, the grit required to keep trying will wilt under successive stumbles or a significant failure.
We know that what we say silently to ourselves matter. By using the word “yet” in the correct context you can shift your energy away from the negative critical voice to positive light of hope. These 3 letters are so powerful. When you make a mistake or don’t accomplish something, the word “yet’ signals to your brain to keep going. Try again. Don’t give up. It is the cheerleader of a learning or growth mindset.
The concept of “yet” applies to those who set stretch goals and understand the paths to achieving those goals have inevitable consequences of setbacks. If you never experience a setback, I would challenge you that your goals live within your comfort zone, not on the edge of it or on the walls outside the perimeter.
Goals that live within that comfort zone are more aligned with the meaningful tasks that you want to focus on or cross off an accomplished list. These are important but probably do not require the magical intention of the word yet.
For example, if I have a goal to run 4 miles 3 times a week, the word “yet” in the context that I am describing above does not work for me. I know I can run 4 miles and I know that my body can handle 3 runs a week. It is important I do this because it relates my overall health, but my stumble or failure is a time management issue, not a stretch outside the comfort zone. I can use the word “yet”, but it becomes more of an admonishment than an inspiration. Imagine it is 5 o’clock at night after a full day of work and I am hungry. If I use the word yet, as in “I have not done my run yet”, my inner voice creates guilt and shouts negative thoughts aimed at my ability to stay on track. It does not motivate me to get out the door. We need to be aware that the inner voice can co-op this word and create negative feelings rather than the inspirational ones I am referring to.
However, if I have a goal to do a 5-minute plank, this is something where “yet” can be successfully applied. While this is a small minor stretch goal in the big picture of things the applicability of it can demonstrate why the correct usage of the word is so important.
My current ability to hold a plank is about 80 seconds. That is a long, long, long way away from 300 seconds. It is the true definition of a stretch goal. So tomorrow when I try again, I know I will not make it to 300 seconds. But what I do know is that with consistent effort I will get better and better. I have not gotten their yet! It may take 6 months, but those small increments of improvement keep me trying. I have hope. If I can get to 90 seconds then I know I can get to 95 seconds, and 95 seconds might inspire me to try for 100.
We are all different. What works for me does not necessarily work for you. I encourage you to experiment how the word “yet” influences your next step. Ask yourself
If it provides an important nudge to keep working at it
It replaces negative thoughts with a positive intention
Provides an inner belief that with resolve you can get there.