06/03/2026
From the desk of our Founder & CEO, Josh Waite:
“Tell me I can’t.” Those four words catch my attention every time I step into our workout room and look at the picture on the wall.
Words spoken by NBA legend, cultural icon, and my childhood hero – Michael Jordan. I was recently reminded of the significance of this quote as I sat on the couch to watch an episode of ESPN’s series, The Last Dance, with our son. A series that documented the Chicago Bulls’ 1998 season, the last season of their incredible run of six NBA championships in eight years. If you have watched the series, you might recall the storyline in Episode 8, in which it was well documented how Jordan would look for any edge to get his competitive juices flowing – a quote in the media, a random comment by an opposing player – and sometimes, a slight that he completely fabricated in his mind to get him fired up.
That imagined ‘challenge’ would flip a switch, get his competitive juices flowing, and push him to another level. And when Jordan went to another level – well, the results speak for themselves.
The idea of being ‘challenged’ was recently reinforced while I was listening to our pastor share a message about motivation. In it he talked about the difference between ‘convincing’ someone on the benefits of something versus ‘challenging’ them to rise to who they’re capable of becoming.
Convincing says, “Here’s why this will help you.” Challenging says, “I don’t think you’re capable of doing this.” And for certain people – people wired like Jordan – that ‘challenge’ hits deeper.
Last week, this concept came to life for me in one of the most unexpected places – the car wash. You know – the type where there is a lane for all the “members” and then there is a lane for “everyone else”. In case you are wondering, I am a part of “everyone else”.
As I pulled up to select my car wash package, the young lady taking my payment began explaining to me all the reasons why I should sign up for their monthly membership. She walked me through the math, how I’d “probably be back”, and why it would “make more sense financially” over time.
And while she was just doing her job, and was probably correct in her assumptions – I almost immediately felt myself tuning out. Something about her approach turned me off – and ultimately, I didn’t purchase the membership. Later that day I found myself wondering: “What if she had taken a different approach?”
What if, instead of giving me all the “features and benefits”, she had instead smiled and said something along the lines of, “Honestly, most people say they’ll come back, but they don’t. This membership is really only for people who are intentional about taking care of their car.”
Now that would have gotten my attention! And if she followed it up with the logical reasons why it made good sense, I think I would be a Club Car Wash member today.
What would have made the difference? Being ‘challenged’ versus being ‘convinced’. Jordan didn’t need someone to explain the upside – and neither did I. He needed someone, or at least to imaginesomeone, saying, “You don’t have what it takes.”
So here’s the question I’ve been sitting with this week: Where in your life are you trying to ‘convince’ yourself – when what you really need is a ‘challenge’?
Not a sales pitch. Not a list of benefits. But a line in the sand.
Tell me I can’t be more present with my family. Tell me I can’t break a bad habit. Tell me I can’t slow down. Tell me I can’t live with greater intention.
I believe for myself – and likely you as well – sometimes the fire we are waiting for isn’t sparked by encouragement – it is lit by resistance.
“Tell Me I Can’t”
intentional living call to action:
This week, identify one area of your life where you don’t need more convincing—you need a challenge. Write it down. Say it out loud if you have to. And then, like MJ, respond with action.
If you would like to join those who receive these messages weekly, please email [email protected] to sign up.
Live Life Intentionally
Josh
