#331 Something deeper than optimism.

Cultivating a can-do attitude goes deeper than optimism—it's about believing something can be done even when it's difficult. This mindset doesn't eliminate obstacles but refuses to be defined by them, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

• The story of a young mechanic fixing a "broken" engine by asking "how" instead of "if" it could be fixed
• A can-do attitude transforms setbacks into opportunities by changing our questions
• Solution-focused thinking is more valuable than problem-dwelling in both personal and professional contexts
• Employers and leaders value team members who approach challenges with solution-oriented thinking
• You don't need perfect confidence—just the belief that effort will move you forward
• This mindset changes your questions, tone, and next actions

Where in your life do you need a can-do mindset? What's one situation you're ready to approach with new energy and perspective? Let me know by leaving a message or emailing Aaron@growthinstigators.com. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call if your team needs help building a solution-oriented culture.

Chapters

• 0:00 The Mechanic's Mindset
• 0:25 Growth Instigators Hotline Introduction
• 0:40 Cultivating Can-Do Attitude
• 1:23 Making Solutions Not Excuses
• 2:20 Closing Questions and Call to Action

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Picture this a young mechanic is handed a broken engine with no manual and limited tools. Everyone else said this can't be fixed. But he didn't ask if it could be done. He asked how, piece by piece, he cleaned, rewired, adjusted. It wasn't perfect, but it worked. His success wasn't about knowledge. It was about belief that something could be done. Welcome to message 331 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach.

Speaker 1: 0:36

Mindset Monday cultivating a can-do attitude. Woo, okay, let's talk about something deeper than optimism. A can-do attitude isn't about pretending everything is easy or ignoring the hard stuff. It's about believing that something can be done even when it's hard. This mindset doesn't eliminate obstacles, it just refuses to be defined by those obstacles. And if you're as stubborn as I am, just tell me I can't do something, and then watch me burn rubber and be focused on how I can do that very thing. So here's what I've learned A can-do attitude makes lemonade out of the setback. Lemons Instead of. Why is this happening to me? Try what's the opportunity inside of this.

Speaker 1: 1:33

A can-do attitude focuses on solutions. A stuck mindset hyper-focuses on the problem. A can-do mindset asks what's one next step? And a can-do attitude believes growth is possible. You don't need all the answers, just the belief that effort will move you forward. Hey, you might not feel like the most confident person in the room today, but you can still choose a can-do lens. That lens changes your questions, your tone and your next move.

Speaker 1: 2:08

And I'm telling you from an employer the employees I have my eye on the most are the ones that are solution-based, running after life with a can-do attitude. Hey, if your team is stuck in a mindset of limitations, I help leaders and organizations reframe challenges and build solution-oriented cultures. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let's schedule a discovery call. Thank you for calling Growth Instigators Hotline. I have two questions for you today, and I'd love it if you would leave me a message after the beep or send an email to Aaron at growthinstigatorscom. Let me know where in your life do you need a can-do mindset and what's one situation you're ready to approach with new energy and perspective? As always, keep instigating growth in all you do.