Can-Do vs. Do-Do

Helene:  I wanted to stop [staying out late partying], and he didn't. 

Adam:  Didn't or couldn't?

Helene:  What's the difference?

          - From the film Burnt (2015)

I love this distinction.

One one hand, the difference between didn't and couldn't is important.  If we decided "I guess I can't do it" every time we failed at something, we'd never find out what we're capable of.

But on the other hand, it's boldly responsible to acknowledge that it doesn't matter what we're able to do, it matters what we actually accomplish.

It's nice that you can wake up early, but do you?

It's great that you're able to listen to your coworkers, but do you?

It's true that you can pick up your child on time from school. So will you be there at 4:30?

It’s what we actually do that sends out ripples and impacts our friends, family, coworkers and beyond. We create connection, or we encourage separation. We promote understanding, or we foster ignorance.  We commit to quality, or we accept mediocrity.

With your actions you can change the world.  The question is, will you?