Exo Contralto Might Help Us Forget “I Can’t”

Yesterday, I was watching a YouTube video by an old friend, Mr. Exo Contralto. He was working on a subwoofer project using the new Kicker SoloX and needed to get wood and supplies from the hardware store. He was building a subwoofer enclosure for his friend Remy. To make the wood fit, he had to cut it down from 48″ to 24″ wide sections. Since the subwoofer enclosure itself is 24″ wide, it worked out.

In the store, they usually have staff to cut the wood down to size, but this time there was no one available. Most of us would see this as a roadblock and come back another day or try to find a truck in the next few days. But for Exo, the solution was simple. That’s what I find interesting. I’ve known him for years, and I’m almost certain the thought of postponing or giving up never crossed his mind. He focused on finding a “now” solution, asking himself not why he couldn’t do it, but how he could accomplish the task. It may seem simple, but it’s actually a significant shift in mindset.

These days, it’s easy to find reasons why we can’t achieve something, no matter how small. But perhaps it’s time to shift our mindset from “I can’t” to “How can I?” We probably remember our parents saying “Can’t never could” but may tend to forget the wisdom behind that. It’s time to break free from limitations, let’s challenge ourselves to overcome self-imposed barriers (our excuses), step out of our comfort zone a bit, and maybe even embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. I know I consider myself to be a fairly motivated individual, but even I find myself in the “I can’t do this, and here is why” situation. I typically will have very well-articulated answers for why I can’t, but often it comes down to the fact that I’ve gotten a bit too comfy and lazy.

If you’re wondering how Exo solved the problem, he got creative! With his supplies and a battery-powered saw, he laid down some 2x6s on the pavement in the parking lot beside his vehicle and ripped the wood down to the needed 24″. It may not have been the conventional route, but it did the job. As I watched, I couldn’t help but question my own approach. Would I have taken the easy way out or found a way to get it done? Exo’s determination and resourcefulness are inspiring, the dude simply has no quit in him. It’s something we could all use a bit more of, I know I could.

Check Out His Youtube Channel