I Think I Can

 　　A couple of years ago, the Boston Marathon promoted its event with a series of inspiring billboards¹. All of them were black and white images of a runner, with a quote that expressed their reason for running. Some billboards were of fully² mobile individuals and others were of those who were disabled but were determined³ to cross the finish line, either through a family member's or friend's assistance, or through the use of a prosthetic device. Each had different quotes, but one in particular really stood out: the runner's response was simple: "Because I can."

　　As kids, the "Little Engine that could" told us a valuable tale of an extraordinary spirit, of perseverance⁴, of determination, of believing in ourselves. As adults, we don't always have tales to teach us these valuable lessons. And, as a result we start making excuses. We stop learning. We stop trying.

　　"Because I can" eliminates these excuses. It pushes us past the status quo and our comfort zones. It gives us a reason to do the things that we think we can't. And, it enables us to believe in ourselves.

　　Practicing "can" thinking is important to keeping us young, to having a positive outlook, to staying motivated and to reaching our goals. Further, it can help us lead richer and fuller lives that are more rewarding. The fact that you have the ability to do something empowers you to do it, whatever the task might be.

　　How can you use the power of "Because I can"? Here are a few ways to incorporate this positive thinking into various aspects of your own life:

　　Be More Active

　　Whether it is to get to the store or work, or if it is climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator, embracing a "Because I can" attitude is an easy way to incorporate more activity into your life. Break the "I'm tired"or "It is too hard" or "It is too far" cycle. Increasing your activity level will provide enormous benefits, both physically⁵ and mentally.

　　Try Something New

　　It is easy for us to make excuses for why we shouldn't try new things. Maybe you think it is out of your comfort zone. Maybe it seems too difficult. Or maybe, it is just inconvenient⁶. Reminding yourself that "You Can" try something new will help you to move past these roadblocks and discover new things about yourself and possible new interests.

　　Reach for the Stars

　　No matter how old you are, setting new goals and continually dreaming makes life more interesting and rewarding. Whether it is professionally or personally, find new ways to stretch yourself, to learn and to grow. Pushing yourself to be the best you can be will give you a sense of accomplishment⁷. Further, you'll never feel bored.

　　Speak Up

　　Often, we can become complacent⁸ in our lives, going through a routine and not addressing things that bother us or make us unhappy. You have a voice. Use that voice "because you can." Communicating to loved ones, co-workers, and even your boss as to how you feel, what your needs and expectations are and what you are thinking can help you develop deeper, more meaningful and rewarding relationships. Further, you will be truer to yourself, inevitably⁹ making you a happier individual.

　　Go the Extra Mile

　　No, you don't have to be a marathon runner to incorporate this slogan into your exercise routine. But, when you are at the end of your thirty minute aerobic¹⁰ workout, try going an extra ten minutes "Because you can." You'll empower yourself to push beyond the status quo. Additionally, you will strengthen your heart and burn off the cheesecake from the night before.

　　Increase Your Willpower

　　Saying "No" to our favorite indulgences can be challenging. However, developing a strong willpower, whether it is in response to our favorite chocolate cake or to over-shopping and spending past our means is something that we can all benefit from. Next time you are tempted¹¹ to do something you think you might regret, try reminding yourself that you can say no. You have the power.

　　The human spirit can be very fragile, but incorporating positive thinking, such as "because I can," while, eliminating "because I can't" from your thought processes, can be very powerful.

1 billboards   

n.广告牌( billboard的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Large billboards have disfigured the scenery. 大型告示板已破坏了景色。 来自辞典例句
• Then, put the logo in magazines and on billboards without telling anyone what it means. 接着我们把这个商标刊在杂志和广告看板上，却不跟任何人透漏它的涵意。 来自常春藤生活英语杂志-2006年4月号

2 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

3 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

4 perseverance   

n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠

参考例句：

• It may take some perseverance to find the right people.要找到合适的人也许需要有点锲而不舍的精神。
• Perseverance leads to success.有恒心就能胜利。

5 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

6 inconvenient   

adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的

参考例句：

• You have come at a very inconvenient time.你来得最不适时。
• Will it be inconvenient for him to attend that meeting?他参加那次会议会不方便吗？

7 accomplishment   

n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能

参考例句：

• The series of paintings is quite an accomplishment.这一系列的绘画真是了不起的成就。
• Money will be crucial to the accomplishment of our objectives.要实现我们的目标，钱是至关重要的。

8 complacent   

adj.自满的；自鸣得意的

参考例句：

• We must not become complacent the moment we have some success.我们决不能一见成绩就自满起来。
• She was complacent about her achievements.她对自己的成绩沾沾自喜。

9 inevitably   

adv.不可避免地；必然发生地

参考例句：

• In the way you go on,you are inevitably coming apart.照你们这样下去，毫无疑问是会散伙的。
• Technological changes will inevitably lead to unemployment.技术变革必然会导致失业。

10 aerobic   

adj.需氧的，增氧健身法的，有氧的

参考例句：

• Aerobic exercise helps to build up stamina.有氧健身操有助于增强耐力。
• Aerobic dance is conductive to the health.有氧舞蹈有助于健康。

11 tempted   

v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词）

参考例句：

• I was sorely tempted to complain, but I didn't. 我极想发牢骚，但还是没开口。
• I was tempted by the dessert menu. 甜食菜单馋得我垂涎欲滴。