What I Learned from My Niece About Embracing Yet (and How You Can Too)

How a small mindset shift can help you tackle any challenge

"Not yet. I can’t dive underwater yet," my three-year-old niece declared, as her older sister told me all about her swimming lessons. I couldn't help but admire the little girls natural growth mindset. She couldn’t swim underwater yet, but she didn’t see that as a barrier—just a stepping stone. Confident and calm, she was eager to join in the conversation, completely unfazed by the challenge ahead.

Image by Thomas Park/UnSplash

This simple moment with my niece was a perfect example of what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a growth mindset. Dweck, who coined the terms "growth mindset" and "fixed mindset," spent years studying how children’s beliefs about their own abilities affect their learning. The terms describe how we view our potential: in a fixed mindset, we believe our abilities are set in stone. In a growth mindset, we understand that with effort and perseverance, we can improve.

For instance, a child with a fixed mindset might say, "I can’t swim underwater," and stop there. But a child with a growth mindset would say, "I can’t swim underwater yet," acknowledging that improvement is possible. This small but powerful word—yet—can make all the difference.

Dweck’s research found that children who believed their abilities could grow were more eager to take on challenges. They welcomed obstacles as opportunities to learn, and even setbacks didn’t discourage them. On the other hand, children with a fixed mindset believed their intelligence was unchangeable and tended to avoid challenges. As a result, they plateaued and missed out on their true potential.

Now, let’s consider how this idea applies to real life. As a health coach, I work with clients who want to make lasting changes for a healthier future. These changes might include running around the park without getting winded, sticking to a doctor's plan to lower blood sugar, or improving sleep by limiting screen time in the evenings. When you think about your own health goals, what’s your reaction? Do you say, "That’s too hard. I can’t do that"?

Now, try it again—this time, add the word yet at the end. How does that feel?

It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk. That’s where a health coach comes in. A coach can help you shift your perspective by reminding you that you can’t do it yet. And together, you can take the steps needed to get there. So, tell me—what can’t you do, yet?

Take care,

Lina

Health Coach | Functional Medicine | Restorative Pilates

Helping you embrace change and thrive—one step at a time.

📩 Got a question? Reach out: support@functionalmedicinehealthcoach.nl

🌱 Join my community: Solina Coaching

🌐 Learn more about my services: Functional Medicine Health Coach

P.S.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s something you’ve been telling yourself you can’t do—until you add the word yet? Drop me a reply and share what’s on your mind. Sometimes, just a small shift in perspective is all it takes to move forward.

If you’re ready to turn those “I can’t” thoughts into “I can’t yet,” I’d be happy to support you in taking those next steps, however big or small. Get in touch if you'd like to know more about how coaching can help you make real, lasting change.