We are all filled with self-doubt. Even those who have accomplished greatness by leading countries, discovering a life-saving vaccines, devoting themselves to charitable work, or creating magnificent works of art have had not just one moment, but many moments, when they believed something they aspired to was beyond their ability. To overcome their self-doubt, they had to find the courage inside themselves to not only make the attempt but to stay with it, no matter how many roadblocks got in their way.

And where would we be if these great women and men had given in to their self-doubt instead of overcoming it? We would be deprived of the guidance, improvements, devotion, and beauty their efforts have brought us.

It’s the same in our lives. The things we think we can’t do should be the things we aspire to. By attempting them and sticking with them through adversity, we build character, learn from our mistakes, fulfill our potential, and accomplish things we can be proud of. By telling ourselves we can do something, rather than expounding all the reasons we can’t, we open ourselves up to many more possibilities and become happier, more fulfilled human beings.

But, as with the great women and men who paved the way for us, we aren’t the only ones who benefit from our doing the things we think we cannot do. Our accomplishments, whether they involve learning an instrument, running in a marathon to benefit a charity, raising responsible children, or writing an inspirational book have positive effects on others. They bring them joy, help them overcome adversity, influence their society, and assist them in their daily lives.

Not only will others reap the direct benefits of our efforts, but they will also be inspired by them so that they will be able to say “Yes I can” instead of “No I can’t.”