We give too much power to “impossible.”
We live in a world that shouts loudly what cannot or will not be done. People sit on separate sides of the aisle, pointing fingers angrily at the opposition’s “unwieldy” or “unrealistic” proposals.
We picture an end and look for the means all at once.
When a grand idea comes to us, we instantly feel charged by the thought of doing something life-changing for ourselves and others. Then we become bogged down in the way to achieve it. We see the goal a long way off and are unable to detect the path between “here” and “there.”
And that’s when greatness is left unachieved.
Plainly, to accomplish anything you must believe in possibility strongly. Your confidence will be tested often, from within and without. The depth of your faith must galvanize you, it must become your shield against the “small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.”
In order for your conviction to flourish under the slings and arrows of timid minds (be prepared to fight in the shade), you’ll have to do three things:
1. Make your peace with inches
Realize everything that’s ever been done–from the creation of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich to the destruction of the Third Reich–was done incrementally. By accepting the fact that the road will be long and you’ll have to claw with your fingernails at times for every last bit of progress, it’s easier to put forth effort every day.
2. Remember what you have in mind
When building momentum, you have to find a way to keep an eye on the prize. Traveling between where you are and the fulfillment of your vision takes you through terrain of all kinds, but it is incredibly helpful to remember what the destination looks like while you’re on the way.
3. Choose your counsel wisely
Everybody and their dog will have something to say about what you’re doing. Be careful in deciding who you listen to. You must be comfortable enough in your own opinions to know that someone else’s have no bearing on your own unless you choose to let them. Further, there will be times when wise words–preferably from one or two (or twelve) experienced people–will help you quite a bit. Respect the possibility you’re wrong on something and shift based on new evidence instead of blindly adopting new concepts. Having quality mentors to consult with allows you to quickly adapt and flow around obstacles like a river.
When given the opportunity to set forth on a new course or set a new record, first ground yourself by believing forcefully anything can happen. It is the basis for the advancement of every idea, the driving force behind the attainment of every goal.
Plus, life is infinitely more enjoyable being curious on a new frontier than stubborn in an old world.
RELATED POSTS
Muhammad Ali – “Impossible is nothing.”
love the last line… powerful.
I should hope so! Believing in possibility gives us the strength to keep going when we might otherwise stop.
You write well, Jason. Thanks for this blog. I need to copy it and review it daily.
Thanks for the compliment, Glen! I hope I can provide a few useful tips for everyone else as I learn and apply stuff.