Notes On Possibility
One of my favorite words is “possibility.” It sounds fun. It exudes positivity. It packs a whopping 5 syllables into 11 letters. It rings of good energy.
Bottom line: Possibility is for me, and I’m for possibility!
When it comes to unlocking possibility, the most important step is declaring that there is something more you want in work or life. And let’s not kid ourselves … saying “This is what I want” is not always easy. You might have to start with the less clear “This is what I think I want, but I’m not totally sure.”
The key to unlocking possibility is your willingness to start somewhere … to declare that something isn’t working right now, or that something is getting in the way of moving forward. Unlocking possibility takes bravery, the vulnerability to admit that you’re stuck or scared or frustrated or confused. Once you’ve done this, it becomes easier to begin contemplating what might actually be better.
Once you’re playing with the possibility ahead – even if the details are fuzzy – you have an orientation for moving forward. And once you’re in motion, even if in fits and starts, your momentum begins to build. You receive data and reinforcement that you’re headed in the right direction, even when things don’t go perfectly. Forward motion towards your declared possibility is a great feeling, and it builds on itself.
I’ve had many moments in life where I stepped into possibility, nearly all of them at least a little scary. My most significant one was deciding to come out to my family and friends as gay. This was a hugely difficult decision, but what made it doable was my clear awareness that so many things I wanted were impossible without taking this huge step. I couldn’t have the honest relationships I wanted with the people I loved. I couldn’t be relaxed in my workplace. I couldn’t imagine a romantic relationship if it was one that needed to be secret. And I couldn’t be fully at ease with myself because I was hiding something. Only by opening that door could I hear, feel and dance to the music of the word “possibility.” Making the decision to orient my life around possibility made all the difference in the world.
So here’s to possibility, and to realizing yours. Life is short. Get busy.