I CAN or I WILL...Making your way to success and accountability. 

How do these two words affect you and the actions you make in your life?  Ever since we were kids we always heard about the story of The Little Engine that Could.  Here’s a bit of it for a refresher. 

A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches. One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill "I can't; that is too much a pull for me," said the great engine built for hard work. Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused. At last in desperation the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. "I think I can," puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train. As it went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

Then as it near the top of the grade, that had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly, but still kept saying, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can." It reached the top by dint of brave effort and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself, "I thought I could, I thought I could."

We all loved that story right?  I know it was one of my favorites.  I’ve grown up thinking, if there was any doubt in my mind about something I wanted to accomplish I would think about that little engine story and knew I could.

So the thought crossed my mind driving home from the office. The word “Can” to me means there is no accountability.  Maybe I’ll do this and maybe I won’t.  There is a way out. The word “Will” to me, means I’m going to do this and my mind is set.  I have accountability for this action and there is no backing out. I’m determined and I won’t let myself or anybody else in my tracks down.  Just saying the word made me feel more empowered.

Can; Used to indicate possibility or probability.

Will; The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action. Diligent purposefulness; determination. Self-control; self-discipline. Bearing or attitude toward others; disposition

When you’re setting your goals, saying your affirmations, communicating with the people in your life, give it a try, say “I WILL” and be The Little Engine that Would”.

1.  I will be home by 6 pm for dinner with the family.

2.  I will be at your house by 5pm to list your home.

3.  I will take you to look at houses at 4pm.

4.  I will drop those dreaded extra pounds.

5.  I will be an honest, ethical and reliable agent.

6.  I will stand strong and always do my best.

7.  I will make $200,000 this year.

8.  I will stick to my schedule to create great success in my life.

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Julie Neerings, GRI- Heart of Utah Real Estate Copyright © 2008- If you are considering buying, selling, military relocations to Hill AFB or relocating to Utah, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Julie Neerings is a Utah REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in the cities of Layton, Bountiful, Woods Cross, West Valley, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman and all surrounding cities.