The Power of Yet
“I just can’t get this step.”
“I am not flexible”
“I can’t dance”
These are just a few of the statements I have not only heard over the years but have said myself. Learning anything can be frustrating. Our own frustration and mindset is the only thing getting in the way of progress in our dancing.
I remember very vividly the day I discovered the word…yet. I was in college, not yet a dance instructor but taking lessons on break. I spent 40 minutes with my teacher on Cuban walks, nothing else. Trying to perfect the technique of what I thought was a basic step. I started crying. “I just can’t do it! I can’t get this step” My instructor very kindly said “you don’t have it, yet.” That’s when it hit me…yet. Yet. Only three letters but so powerful.
“I just can’t get this step, yet”
“I am not flexible, yet”
“I can’t dance, yet”
I had a choice to let my mindset get in my way, or to truly believe that I can do anything. Carol Dweck wrote a book on mindset, if you haven’t read it, you should. It will change your life. Dweck talks about having a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset. These two categories are in response to the way individuals behave, specifically in response to failure. A person with a fixed mindset see abilities such as dancing as innate. A person with a growth mindset believes they can achieve anything if they study or practice. Having a growth mindset is imperative to being a successful dancer. Many dancers, at some point or another, feel as though they hit a plateau. A dance slump, if you will.
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
“I do not have this, yet. But with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude I will improve.”
Remember, whether you think you can or you think you can’t. You are right. (Henry Ford)
So embrace yet. Enjoy the wonderful three letter word. Let it take your dancing to new heights.
