With Election Day coming up on Tuesday, I’ve been thinking about the power of choices – not just those made in Washington, but the daily decisions that shape my life. I’m thinking about how I want to feel, the relationships I nurture, the time I spend with family, and my purpose.

As James Clear puts it, we’re casting votes for our future selves all the time – through our habits, choices, and actions. These are the votes that genuinely matter, because they’re entirely within our control.

As we wrap up this year and look ahead to 2025, it’s a perfect time to think about these personal “votes” we cast every day. With all the political chatter, I’m choosing to focus on what I can control – my own life. Just as we prepare to vote, we can thoughtfully plan our year ahead.

I love the idea of creating a plan that feels right – no pressure, no rushing, just steady progress toward what truly matters.

But honestly, change can be tough sometimes.

Whether we’re trying to build new habits or break old ones, we often self-sabotage with a single word: “can’t.”

We’ve all been there. You know how it goes. “I can’t because…” or “It’s too hard because…” These excuses become our security blanket, keeping us comfortable but stuck.

Here’s a simple but powerful shift: try swapping “can’t” with “won’t.”

Marie Forleo, author of “Everything Is Figureoutable, nails it: ****

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, when any of us say we can’t do something, can’t is actually a euphemism for won’t.”

Consider the difference:

• “I can’t find time to exercise” becomes “I won’t make time to exercise”
• “I can’t eat healthy” becomes “I won’t choose healthy foods”
• “I can’t save money” becomes “I won’t change my spending habits”

Feels different, right? “Won’t” puts the power back in your hands. Won’t has more muscle, reminding you that you’re making a choice.

This isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s deep honesty. When we say “I won’t” instead of “I can’t,” we acknowledge that we have options. We admit it’s not about ability, but about priority and choice.

Your vote counts on Tuesday. But your daily choices count too – they’re votes for the life you want.

Every time you choose to skip the snooze button, pick up that book instead of your phone, or take a walk instead of bingeing another episode – you’re voting for the person you aspire to be.

This week, I challenge you to catch yourself when you say “can’t.” Try substituting it to “won’t” and see how it feels and how it shifts your mindset. Notice what changes when you claim your power to choose.

Remember: Your vote on Tuesday is important, but so is every other choice you make.

Each day is an opportunity to vote for your best self.

Let’s make those votes count!

….. until next time many many sweet blessings.