“We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.” — Vince Lombardi
If you were to estimate the percentage of people in the world who have complete faith in their ability to do anything that they desired, what would you say that percentage is? If you wanted to be realistic, you would probably say that only a small minority of people have this level of faith in themselves. In fact, the percentage could very well be lower than 2% of the entire world population.
Isn’t it amazing how most of us sell ourselves short all of our lives when we could have acquired considerably more out of life if we only believed we could? I think one of the main reasons for this phenomenon is that most of us convince ourselves all through our lives that our aspirations are impossible even when they are not.
If you wanted to be purely mathematical, could you realistically say that anything is impossible? At most, events that exist within the timeline of our imagination only have varying levels of chance and probability. At the most fundamental level, one could say that anything that doesn’t oppose the laws of the universe is within the realm of possibility.
Everything is constantly changing
Greek philosopher Heraclitus believed that the universe is constantly changing and is never the same. He believed that nothing in this world is constant except change or becoming.
The paths to our opportunities constantly oscillate because everything influences everything else. Everything in the universe is connected to everything else either directly or vicariously. Every ebb and flow creates an endless ripple that affects everything it comes into contact with.
Even you are constantly changing even though you may not be cognizant of this fact. Scientists estimate that roughly 98% of the atoms in your body are replaced every 3 to 6 months. All of this is true because only the physical laws of the universe dictate what is and isn’t possible.
“The mind has no limitations except those which conflict with the laws of nature.” — Napoleon Hill
Don’t let your beliefs and thoughts stop you from achieving the dreams that are within your grasp. There is always a statistical path to your goals no matter what they are and to tell yourself differently is self-deception.
Nothing is impossible; there are only probabilities. Optimistic thinking increases your chance of success while negative thinking decreases your chance of success.
Use the most rational faculties of your mind and you’ll see that this is true. Look at the following list of statements and decide whether they coincide with your powers of logic and reasoning:
- It is possible that you will have a high-paying job one day.
- It is possible that your children will graduate from Harvard or Yale.
- It is possible that you will meet the person of your dreams if you haven’t already.
- It is possible that you will become nationally famous for something positive.
- It is possible that you will be a millionaire one day.
- It is possible that you can change the world profoundly by inspiring others.
These statements are true. If you were to tell yourself that it isn’t possible to do any of these things, you would be placing unnecessary limitations on yourself.
If everyone thought on that level, we would have accomplished far less as a civilization. It is possible to do any of these things (if any of them have a special meaning to you) but you would first have to take the appropriate actions to bring them into realization.
Your obstacles will not always stand in your way
Just like everything else in the universe, the obstacles that stand in your way are constantly moving. Your obstacles in life are as fluid as nature itself. All you have to do is keep taking the actions daily that will bring you closer to your goals and you’ll gradually turn the tide in your favor.
“Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams
Take actions everyday that indicate you already have what you want most in life. In other words, act as if. Don’t think about how small or miniscule those actions are, just do them. Before long, you will attract elements of your purpose that harmonize with the actions that resemble it.
You will make what seems impossible, possible.
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I would go as far only 0.2% would have 100% faith that they could truly achieve what they desired. I like your positivity that we can achive great things. Thanks.
Gordie Rogers´s last blog ..Saturday Spew And Shout Out: October 10th 2009.
I appreciate the point you brought up, Gordie.
Only 0.2% of the population probably has 100% faith that they can do anything they desire. I think that everybody should take some time to study the psychology of these people and find out how they can benefit from their observations.
Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve been reading about faith a lot lately (I wonder it’s not a twitter trending topics) but most of them are carrying limiting beliefs.
But you have wonderful thoughts an ideas about both and you have wonderfully put it together.
I am a science student, and they teach us same thing as Heraclitus believed, “Everything is constantly changing” (we even have formulas for that!)
Thanks you for sharing
King Sidharth @ The Law of Attraction´s last blog ..Best of Web September for Self-Help, Spirituality, Philosophy, Inspiration and Motivation
I appreciate the thoughtful reply, Sidharth. I think that using scientific examples are a great way to make a point because physical evidence is hard for many people to refute.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, very impressive. I’ve become your fan. Made a brilliant decision by subscribing to your blog!
I’m deeply humbled by your response, Amity. I’ll always try my best to only post high-quality articles that will help people.
Hi Tim, nice read. Once we learn to see that we live in a world of endless possibility, our whole perception of life changes. We are limited, not by circumstances as many are convinced, but by our own limiting thoughts and beliefs. I like how your 6 questions nudge the reader toward a greater awareness of what is possible with the right mindset.
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last blog ..Are You Pursuing Your Passion or Just Being Practical?
I appreciate the thoughtful reply, Jonathan.
It is only natural for most people to feel fear in situations that they are not used to. That fear can be helpful for our survival. But in the notably safe societies most of us live in, that fear hurts us more than it helps and we end up limiting ourselves unnecessarily.
Since fears are influenced by our belief systems, I believe that if we target and reverse several of our negative thought habits holistically with positive thoughts of a stronger nature, we can change our belief systems and weaken those fears considerably.
Thanks for your insightful and inspiring words, Tim. I’ve also just subscribed to your feed, looking forward to reading more of you.
In my opinion, the transition from the passive, familiar and defensive way of life into active, decisive and goal-oriented is the hardest part.
Once you’ve matured and passed that mark – anything’s possible.
Reaching that mark following a blog like yours is much easier
Alex Hudish´s last blog ..Observe and Report
I’m honored by that response, Alex. I hope my future posts are just as moving for you as this one.
I recently saw a movie where the main theme of it was to “say yes to life.” I think that one quintessential method for making the transition to the active, decisive and goal-oriented way of life is to open our minds to positive experiences that we always wanted but never thought were possible.
GREAT article! I especially enjoyed point #6 about profoundly changing the world by inspiring others. I think that you are well on your way with the post and I plan to follow in your footsteps with my next post.
Kathryn Lang´s last blog ..The Proverbs 31 Dare
Thanks, Kathryn. I hope you do well with that next post.
My favourite is – Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
I love your blog Tim.
You’re right on the mark, Sean. When someone has a burning desire for an objective and an indefatigable faith in them self, they seem almost unstoppable to everyone else.
The list of statements is awesome, but not because of the actual items on the list, but the way in which they really help connect with the concept that nothing is, in fact, impossible *on that list*.
Great blog.
-naima
Naima´s last blog ..Keep the fire burning
Thanks, Naima. Anyone could have advantages that would make them likely to achieve anything considered great but if they told themselves they couldn’t do it, they’d lose out for no good reason. I hope I was able make people more aware of the abundant opportunities that may be around them right now.
I very much agree with “Take actions everyday that indicate you already have what you want most in life”. If you already have it~ you have belief that it is on its way. Powerful concept. I appreciated this article and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thanks for the comment, Jill. That’s one of my favorite ideas too. I’m glad it was helpful.
What an awesome article!! There are so many profound statements in the article that I’m at a loss to pick a favorite! I think what I like most is the fact that you’re are an inspiration to those who feel that they cannot do/be whatever because of one reason or another. Your article boldly states and backs up the fact that we can do all things. With this in mind, I’ll say that my favorite statement is “just like everything else in the universe, the obstacles that stand in your way are constantly moving”.
Thank you, Judy. I try to state as many facts as possible when writing anything. I’m excited to get your approval.
Why do we get all this “Nothing is impossible” rhetoric. Clearly many things are impossible. Many of them we do not know until we try, but many we do know. Much as I may want to, I am not going to sprout wings and be able to fly. It would be better for me to accept that than to assume I can do it.
1. It is possible that you will have a high-paying job one day.
2. It is possible that your children will graduate from Harvard or Yale.
3. It is possible that you will meet the person of your dreams if you haven’t already.
4. It is possible that you will become nationally famous for something positive.
5. It is possible that you will be a millionaire one day.
6. It is possible that you can change the world profoundly by inspiring others.
It is certainly possible that such things come true.. It is equally important to develop the kind of character and spirit that can handle life even if they don’t. Fame, money and high status are rather superficial goals anyway.
Interesting response, Ron.
I don’t literally mean that people should expect to sprout wings and fly but I don’t think self-limiting beliefs in everyday situations should be a way of life either.
When it comes to those 6 goals, they were just examples of goals that many people say they can never achieve, even in cases where they are good enough to have any of those things happen in their lives.
I don’t think finding a “soul mate” or inspiring others is particularly superficial or high-status. I don’t have a problem with some people striving for high-paying jobs, being millionaires, or being famous for something positive either. I’ve met some down and out people who could certainly use a little more motivation when it comes to producing something that benefits their country and this world. There are spiritual matters to consider, of course, but someone who has lived in poverty all their life SHOULD strive for a more opportune career path.
Even if someone does think those goals are superficial or too high-status, there are other experiences someone could strive for that would bring them happiness but are also considered “aiming too high” by others.
It all boils down to the individual, ultimately. What one person cares little for could have a special meaning for people with different tastes, backgrounds, and experiences.
I do agree that someone should have the character and spirit to handle life when things don’t always go their way. Sometimes what we think will bring us happiness is merely a substitute of what already exists inside of us all along.
Thanks for the critique.
Ron…perhaps you should re-read Tim’s article. He states that “at the most fundamental level, we could say that anything that doesn’t oppose the laws of the universe is within the realm of possibility.” I would say that sprouting wings and flying opposes the laws of the universe. I believe Tim is referring to aspirations that are more in line with the natural order of life as we know it.
Thanks for the strong defense, Judy. If I only said what you said, that would have been feasible.
Tim,
After you decided to follow me on Twitter I came to your blog. With all the noise in cyberspace today it is great to stumble across such clarity.
We are whatever we determine to be. Nothing is impossible and I mean absolutely nothing. Each of us determines our own limits and your blog does a remarkable service in reminding us all – Well done Tim. You may also find interest in my observations of others I have learned from that inspire us at http://salesaddvisor.blogspot.com/2008/08/sage-nakamura.html
Thank you, Dan. That has a deep, special meaning coming from a successful salesperson, businessman, and philanthropist such as yourself.
For those of us who have clear vision of truth as it may, as it seem and as it is, should concentrate on passing the vision to others, which you do wonderfully Tim.
How do we be a part of the change which can take place exponentially?
Thanks for the very kind words, Usha.
When it comes to that question, I guess it depends on what type of change you’re talking about. If it’s moving exponentially toward the positive direction, I think we should know how to handle that kind of positive change without letting that success and good fortune affect our character and integrity negatively.
If it’s moving exponentially toward the negative direction, I believe the best we can do is to learn from any mistakes that might have contributed to that negative change, find an opportunity to improve our situation, or find the minute positive component of that situation to focus most of our attention on.
I totally agree Tim. In my book (7 Simple Steps) I use a series of techniques and written exercises to systematically identify and dismantle limiting beliefs. I then use other written exercises to help the reader develop empowering empowering beliefs that are compatible with their true self as a way of creating internal harmony. The desire for security (safety) is the granddaddy of all core human needs. Consequently, all insecurity is based on fear. Not only is fear influenced by our belief systems, fear can actually be the basis for those beliefs. It’s a self perpetuating negative emotional feedback loop. Thankfully, there a simple ways to erode the emotional foundation of those fears and make them vulnerable to logic (which they are normally immune to).
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last blog ..Are You Pursuing Your Passion or Just Being Practical?
I like the idea of developing beliefs that harmonize with our current positive beliefs about ourselves. Internal harmony is essential for maintaining a system of beliefs that support and give power to each other.
You’re an exceptionally smart guy, Jonathan. I’m gonna read more from you.