The Power of Yet: Why You’re Closer to Success Than You Think

You ever feel like you're standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at the summit, and wondering if you’ll ever get there? It’s that frustrating feeling of “I can’t,” “I’m not there yet,” or “I’ll never be able to do that.” But what if I told you that tiny little word “yet” holds the key to unlocking that mountain’s summit?

Remember the classic “Sesame Street” clip, *The Power of Yet*? You’ve got Elmo and his pals running into all sorts of problems, but instead of throwing in the towel, they lean into one magical word: “yet”. They can’t do something “yet”. They haven’t solved it “yet”. That “yet” turns what seems like an impossible dead-end into a hopeful detour. And let me tell you, “yet” isn’t just for muppets—it’s a mindset shift that can literally change how you approach your fitness, your goals, and your life.

What Is the Power of Yet?

The “Power of Yet” is all about embracing the idea that “failure isn’t final—it’s just a temporary stop on your journey to success”. It’s a mindset that turns “I can’t” into “I’m working on it”. Whether you’re trying to hit a new personal best in the gym, master a complex skill, or build that business empire, the word “yet” changes the game.

“Yet” adds room for growth. It tells you that where you are now isn’t where you’ll be forever. And that simple shift in thinking? It’s the difference between throwing in the towel and dusting yourself off for another round.

The Mountain Feels High, But It's Not Unclimbable

Let’s get real. We’ve all had those moments of frustration—when the weights feel too heavy, the reps too high, or the business numbers don’t hit like you’d hoped. You feel stuck. You feel like it’s impossible to move forward. But the truth is, you’re not at a dead-end, you’re just at a “not yet” moment.

Imagine you’re trying to squat a new personal record. You’ve got the bar on your shoulders, and it feels like a “mountain of steel”. You push, but you can’t quite stand up with it. Is it a failure? Not at all—it’s a “yet.”

That’s where the power of “yet” kicks in. The failure isn’t a reflection of your limitations; it’s just a signal that you haven’t reached your peak “yet”. It reframes the narrative in your head and keeps you grinding, learning, adapting.

When Comparison Strikes, “Yet” Is Your Shield

Let’s be honest: In a world of Instagram highlights, it’s easy to fall into the “comparison trap”. You see someone crushing a workout or running a successful business and think, “I’ll never get there.” You’re frustrated because your story doesn’t look like theirs. But you know what? You’re just not there “yet”.

That person you're looking at? They had their “yet” moments, too. They weren’t always smashing records or growing their business like a rocket ship. They had to go through the same growth process, the same hard days, the same grind. “Yet” kept them moving forward.

Instead of letting comparison paralyze you, let it “fuel” you. Add “yet” to the end of your doubts. “I’m not strong enough yet,” “I’m not as fast as them yet,” or “My business isn’t as big yet.” The journey is just as important as the destination, and “yet” keeps you on the road.

The Science Behind “Yet”

Now, this isn’t just fluffy motivational talk. There’s some serious science behind the power of “yet.” Psychologist Carol Dweck, the mind behind the “growth mindset”, emphasizes that how we think about our abilities can drastically change our outcomes. In a growth mindset, failures aren’t setbacks; they’re “stepping stones”.

Your brain actually grows and strengthens with challenges, much like your muscles do under resistance. When you push your limits and fail, your brain’s neural pathways get stronger, better. But the catch? You have to stick with it—you have to believe that just because you can’t do something today doesn’t mean you won’t crush it tomorrow. It’s the “yet” mindset in action.

How to Apply “Yet” in Real Life

So how do we put the power of “yet” to work in our day-to-day lives? It starts with the way you “talk to yourself”.

Next time you face a challenge or feel frustrated by your progress, add the word “yet” to the end of your internal dialogue.

- “I can’t lift that weight… yet.”

- “I don’t understand this movement… yet.”

- “I’m not as fit as I want to be… yet.”

It’s that simple. But trust me, it’s a game changer.

Tiny Wins Build Big Victories

Start by setting “tiny goals” that align with your “yet” mindset. Let’s say you can’t do a pull-up yet. Cool. Break it down. Today, maybe you just hang from the bar for 10 seconds. Tomorrow, you work on your negative pull-ups. Every day, you inch closer to that full pull-up, and before you know it, your “yet” is in the rearview mirror.

“Celebrate small victories”, no matter how minor they seem. Every tiny step forward is progress. When Elmo finally figures out his puzzles, he celebrates like he just climbed Everest. Be like Elmo. Your wins, no matter how small, are proof that “yet” is working for you.

Conclusion: Turning “Yet” into Your Secret Weapon

Life is a series of “not yet” moments. In the gym, at work, in your personal growth—it’s all about moving forward, one small step at a time. “Yet” is your secret weapon. It reframes failures as opportunities for growth, shields you from the pain of comparison, and keeps your focus on your potential.

Start using “yet” today. Seriously, try it. Write down one area of your life where you feel stuck, and add “yet” to the end of your sentence. Post it somewhere you’ll see it often. The more you reinforce this mindset, the more unstoppable you’ll become.

So, the next time you’re faced with an obstacle, don’t let it be the end of the road. Look at it, smile, and say, “I’m not there yet.”

The summit is waiting, and with the power of “yet,” you’re already on your way.