There’s a quiet difference between “can’t” and “won’t.”
“Can’t” is the voice of doubt. But “won’t” — that’s the voice of decision.
This week, I found myself thinking about that difference while hiking a trail I’d never explored before. The incline was steep, and the sun was unrelenting. At one point, halfway up the ridge, I paused—not because I couldn’t go on, but because I didn’t want to. The excuses started to pile up. I’d done enough. It was hot. The view wasn’t that important.
But I stood there long enough to recognize the moment for what it was: not about ability, but about willingness.
And that’s the truth of it. So many of us stop at “won’t” and dress it up as “can’t.” We say we don’t have the time, the skill, the network, the personality. But often, we could — we’re just not willing to step into discomfort, uncertainty, or risk.
We won’t write the first chapter.
We won’t apply for the role.
We won’t speak up.
We won’t forgive.
We won’t believe in the version of ourselves we secretly hope to become.
But what if we did?
What if “won’t” didn’t win?
We have more say than we realize in what our story becomes. And most of the time, it doesn’t hinge on our ability — it hinges on our willingness.
Today, whether it’s a mountain trail, a blank page, or a hard conversation — take one more step. You might find that “won’t” was never really true. And what you thought was a wall was only a door waiting to be opened.