What One Man Can Do, Another Can Do

What one man can do, another can do.

This is one of the most liberating beliefs I hold. It means that the things I see others achieve are, in principle, available to me. Not identically. Not easily. But in principle.

It also means that the gap between where I am and where I want to be is not a question of fundamental capability. It’s usually a question of knowledge, practice, environment, and time.

I’ve found this belief most useful when faced with something that seems beyond me. Instead of accepting that gap as permanent, I ask: what does the person who can do this know that I don’t? What have they practised that I haven’t? What environment are they in that I’m not?

Those questions are answerable. And answerable questions lead to action.

What one man can do, another can do. The question is whether you’re willing to do what it takes to get there.