There isn’t a phrase I like less than … “I can’t”. I literally wince every time I hear it. And when it comes to careers, professionals use this expression far too often.

• I can’t ask for a raise because I don’t want to be perceived as difficult or greedy • I can’t leave a job I don’t like because I don’t know what else I would do • I can’t leave a job that causes me misery because I need the money • I can’t ask this person or that person for help because I don’t know him/her that well • I can’t develop a book of business because I’m not good at it • I can’t change industries because nobody will hire me • I can’t apply for this job because I don’t have the exact number of years of experience • I can’t work in a law firm because I’ll have to bill 2400 hours a year • I can’t do something I like better because I won’t be able to pay my bills • I can’t be a General Counsel because I’m a litigator • I can’t move in house because I’m a law firm partner • I can’t compete in the employment market because I’m too old