“Not Yet”, the smallest phrase that can transform your mindset about failure, learning, and growth.
Most people hear those two words and think of waiting. Don’t you?
In our hyper-productive, constantly measured world, we have confused performance with potential. We are judged not by how far we have come, but by how fast we got there.
We say things like “I’m not good at presentations,” “I can’t lead a team,” or “I don’t get strategy.” And we stamp these beliefs like final judgments.
But what if you added just two words?
“I can’t do it… yet.”
And that tiny phrase, two words your brain probably shrugs at, might be the actual cheat code to your long-term growth, confidence, and future potential.
Sounds simple, right?
But it’s quietly powerful. Quietly rebellious.
Stick around, because once you understand what “not yet” really means, you won’t see your limitations the same way again.
What Is the “Not Yet” Growth Mindset?
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through effort, feedback, and learning, not something you either have or don’t.
Now, adopting a growth mindset doesn’t mean thinking you’ll become a genius overnight. It’s not blind optimism but staying curious, flexible, and persistent, especially in the face of failure.
That’s where “Not Yet” comes in. It doesn’t deny the struggle, but refuses to see it as the end. It turns fixed conclusions like:
“I’m not good at sales.”
into
“I’m not good at sales… yet.”
That small addition reframes the outcome from permanent failure to temporary progress.
The Science Behind ‘Not Yet’ And Why This Works?
Carol Dweck observed a phenomenon in her research: when students were told they “didn’t pass… yet,” their brains remained engaged. The word “yet” triggered the prefrontal cortex to stay in learning mode, as opposed to shutting down in defeat.
Our brain responds differently to open vs. closed statements. Closed statements like “I failed” activate threat centers in the brain (amygdala), increasing stress and avoidance.
On the other hand, open-ended framing (like “not yet”) engages the prefrontal cortex, supporting motivation, planning, and learning.
“Not yet” keeps the brain curious, which is exactly where growth happens.
Everyday Situations Where “Not Yet” Transforms Your Response
Say you have failed at a fitness or journaling habit. Instead of saying “I always quit,” try: “I haven’t found the right system yet.” It invites iteration, not judgment.
Let’s bring this into the workplace, where self-judgment, comparison, and impostor syndrome run high.
You are learning a new platform and find yourself thinking, “I’m terrible at this tech stuff.” Reframe it: “I haven’t figured this out yet. I can ask for help or look up a tutorial.” And you’ll see your mindset encourages you to learn.
[table here]
| Common Thought | Re-framed with “Not Yet” | Shift in Energy |
|---|---|---|
| I’m not a strategic thinker | I’m not a strategic thinker yet | Openness to learn and grow into the role |
| I can’t handle client escalations | I haven’t learned how to handle escalations yet | Curiosity replaces shame |
| I don’t understand financial reports | I don’t fully understand them yet, but I can | Gives permission to ask questions, learn |
Adding “yet” keeps the door open, psychologically and professionally.
How to Build the “Not Yet” Growth Mindset (5 Practical Ways)
Here’s how to actually put this into practice:
#1. Change Your Inner Dialogue
Catch yourself saying “I can’t” or “I’m bad at…” and add “yet.”
Repeat it—even if it feels forced at first.
#2. Start a ‘Not Yet’ Journal
Each week, write three things you are working on and track progress. Instead of “Why can’t I do this?”, ask, “What skill do I need here?”, “Who can help me?”
#3. Use it in Conversations
Normalize growth talk at work: “I’m still learning that—not yet there, but I’m getting there.” If you are a manager or leader, swap “You are wrong” with “You are not quite there yet, let’s tweak this.”
It creates psychological safety and encourages team learning.
#4. Celebrate The Try
Praise someone (or yourself) for the attempt.
- “You didn’t’ get it yet, but I saw how hard you worked.”
- “You are not there, but you are closer than yesterday.”
Reward trying just as much as succeeding. This rewires your brain to associate effort with reward.
#5. Rephrase Aloud
Turn “I don’t know this” into “I don’t know this yet.” Practice saying it out loud in meetings, emails, and especially self-talk.
When It Doesn’t Fit and Why That’s Okay
There are cases where “not yet” can feel unhelpful, like:
- Toxic work environments where learning is punished
- Burnout phases, when the effort isn’t sustainable
- Lack of resources makes growth impossible despite the willingness
In such cases, compassion must come first.
A growth mindset thrives only when basic psychological safety is in place.
Remember
We are all in a state of becoming. The only real failure is to believe that who we are now is all we will ever be.
So the next time you are tempted to say, “I can’t do this,” try adding just two words: Not yet.
Because that’s where the real story begins.
