From “I don’t know, but I can” to “I know, and I can.”

At the start of our careers, many of us approach challenges with a simple mindset: “I don’t know, but I can.” We’re eager, willing to learn, and ready to take on anything. The unknown doesn’t feel like a threat—it feels like an opportunity.

But over time, things get harder. The struggle to find the right job, the weight of rejection, and the pressure to prove ourselves can shake our confidence. Add to that toxic environments, unsupportive colleagues, and setbacks, and suddenly, we find ourselves thinking: “I know… but I cannot.” Knowledge is there, but belief in ourselves wavers.

Many of us go through this phase. The good news? It doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With time, self-reflection, and sometimes even therapy, journaling, or personal growth work, we start to rebuild. We realize that confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting that we can handle anything.

And that’s when the shift happens. We move into a new mindset: “I know, and I can.”

Because experience is ours. Growth is ours. And no one can take that away.

So if you’re in the “I don’t know, but I can” phase—keep going. If you’re stuck in “I know, but I cannot”—trust yourself and do the work. Because one day, you’ll stand tall and say with certainty: “I know, and I can.”