The Most Encouraging Words You Can Say Is “Not Yet”

Day 1 of letter “x” is complete and I most certainly need more practice.

Right now, I’m learning the letter “x”, which is extremely difficult to write. I’m going to need another day or two of practice to get it. I will eventually but not yet. This is what today’s blog post is about “not yet”.  

I realized that the most encouraging word that I can say during practice is "not yet." Why? I may not have mastered that letter, stroke or word today or tomorrow, but I'm still learning. "Not yet" leaves room for tomorrow's progress.  

There’s a huge difference between saying, “I can’t write this letter,” and saying, “I can’t write this letter yet.” “I can’t” sounds like case closed. It’s a wrap. The pen has been dismissed. The practice sheets have been shredded. Court is adjourned. But “not yet” means we are still in negotiations. 

Right now, the letter “x” and I are not seeing eye to eye. I know what it is supposed to look like. My instructor makes it look so effortless. When I do it, suddenly we are creating symbols from an ancient language no one has discovered yet. 

Some letters click immediately. Others require several practice sheets, a snack, a walk, and a serious conversation with your hand. It doesn’t mean I can’t do it. Not yet means my hand is still learning the movement. Not yet means I haven’t found the rhythm. Not yet means today’s messy practice sheet is part of the process—not proof that you should quit. 

So, I’m giving the letter “x” another day or two. If it needs longer, I’ll give it longer. I’m not racing anybody to the end of the alphabet. I would rather slow down, understand the strokes, and let my hand catch up with what my eyes already know. 

I’ve been here before—with difficult strokes, stubborn letters, and practice sheets that I have torn up and thrown in the trash. But eventually, something clicked and it came together. So, if a letter, stroke, or connection is giving you trouble today, just like the letter “x” with me, don’t tell yourself you can’t do it.  

Say, “Not yet.” Then put the pen down, let the ink dry, and come back tomorrow. Your progress may be closer than you think.