MOVING FROM “WHAT IS” TO “WHAT COULD BE” IN LIFE

Far too often we decide “what is possible” by default – by establishing what could not possibly be done by focusing upon what has (or has not) been done in the past.  We set our goals at (or just below) what we are pretty sure can be done to ensure success.  Rather than seeking to enter untested waters with unproven techniques to accomplish unconsidered objectives we tend to “be safe” in life by doing what we are certain can be done while avoiding those things that might expose us to unacceptable risk (seeing the potential rewards as insignificant when compared to the possible losses).  We often close our eyes to what could be, preferring to focus upon those things that have already been.  We seem to wear blinders as we focus on and pursue a destination rather than considering the journey – often worrying more about celebrating finality than experiencing the path we choose which leads to new beginnings along the way.

There are those, however, who find themselves reaching for the sky without thinking about falling to the ground.  They focus upon the sun without fearing the dark shadows cast behind them by their current realities.  These individuals often chase their wildest imaginings without regard to the practical limitations life tends to place upon them.  They rarely base what they feel can be accomplished on what has been previously done, choosing to follow paths that take them to places not yet discovered and roads not yet paved through the efforts of others in an attempt to accomplish things that were never considered possible.  When we lead from a position of “anything is possible” rather than one of “some things are too difficult to attempt” we must allow ourselves to learn much from our failures as we prepare to gain much from the vast opportunities that will present themselves to those refusing to be contained by the walls of mediocrity.

Ineffective leaders often worry so much about what they do not have or have not been given the authority to accomplish that they lose sight of their abilities and what they can do without permission.  Rather than wallowing in hardship and adversity, successful individuals often use trouble as a springboard to opportunity.  By refusing to accept the constraints of reality, a precious few individuals fulfill dreams that would never have surfaced had life treated them more tenderly – accomplish objectives that would never have been considered had they accepted what they were given in life as a fact rather than a starting point.  Looking forward rather than back, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as an opening on the other side rather than a train bearing down upon them – seeing “the possible” in a situation rather than focusing on its inherent realities – are signs of an optimist (whom is destined for greatness).

Understanding our abilities, capabilities and realistic potential can help to define success OR identify failure (which most may accept as an end but a select few will see as an opportunity for a fresh start).  Intentionally acting, even if the way is not clear or the destination not yet been identified, allows us to move forward with confidence towards the accomplishment of our dreams.  Changing directions or positions if situations or facts change is seen by many as being weak and un-convicted, preferring to hold firm regardless of what changes might occur (often to show stability and steadfastness to those around them).  Others would prefer to slowly fade away by clinging on to “what is” rather than seeking “what could be” in their efforts to hold on to what they have rather than reaching out for what has not yet become apparent.  Those seeking (and thriving upon) change find strength in their ability to adapt – willingly altering their direction (and the efforts of those working around them).  Should the facts change or an unexpected disruption occur, successful individuals make lemonade from the lemons they are presented – find ways to build upon the unanticipated to reach what has not yet been imagined.

Strong leaders rarely accept a single, concrete solution to resolve a problem or positively influence a situation.  Rather than limiting themselves to what may have worked in the past they seek several workable options, implementing the one that not only provides the best answer but also garners the most support.  Though it is human nature to take the easy road, great leaders seek the road less travelled – recognizing that uncharted pathways tend to lead to unimaginable rewards.  Their choices may not result in the instant gratification that so many crave in today’s society as tough decisions favor long-term solutions – nor will they minimize the hardship that life presents to all of us – but they may help transform that which was considered as being a distant possibility into something that becomes a definite probability (a transition that ALWAYS precedes major change).

Why is it that those dreaming of tomorrow as they run swiftly from the yesterday’s constraints seem to laugh more than those simply living one day at a time?  Why do they seem to move forward more often than they fall back?  Why do they always seem to reach for the possible rather than finding comfort in what has already been accomplished?  People who dwell on past accomplishments and thrive on outside recognition typically live within the limitations imposed upon them by their environment, their perceived position in life and the “permissions” they have been given by others to act.  Those seeking what has not yet been realized live within a world of temporary pauses on the way to new beginnings – of slowing down and speeding up without ever truly stopping – relentlessly moving forward to establish previously unconsidered levels of excellence and accomplishment.  Individuals perfecting the actions they have always performed find they have much time on their hands to watch the world go by.  Those seeking new realities every day have little time to dwell upon their past as so much has yet to be accomplished – so many new places they can enter having yet to be defined.

Had the creators and innovators of our past been content with their surroundings, seeking inspiration from what others had accomplished rather than reaching out to explore an unknown future, where would our world be today?  Rather than being inhabitants of a practical world – doing only what is assigned, anticipated or expected – strive to be a sojourner within a world full of possibilities.  Seek to expand your horizons each day you are given by seeking new perspectives from your experiences rather than simply experiencing the reality in which you live.  Only when we attempt what has not been accomplished will we accomplish what has not yet been imagined – will we achieve “the possible” rather than experience “the probable” in life.