Possibility …

Possibility
People who think of the possibilities are capable of accomplishing tasks that seem unattainable because they believe in the success of the outcome. When we believe we can do what others have said is impossible and we succeed in the task, many doors will then open for us. Thinking the impossible will attract others to you that also think of the impossible. These kind of people make things happen, they do not just sit around waiting until someone else comes up with the new idea. This happens because possibility thinking is contagious. You can’t help but become more confident and think bigger when you are around possibility thinkers. Who do you surround yourself with?

Think of the ways you serve your community. Are you on a church administrative board, the chair of a non-profit board or a volunteer leader for an interest group? Possibility thinking is contagious…when you believe a group can succeed at a task or ~~oh my gosh, try a NEW idea~~ others will be attracted to you that also think success is within reach.

I’ve always been the type of person who is willing to try something new. If it works, great. If it doesn’t work, don’t do it again or rework it to succeed. I’m a “just rip the band-aid off quickly” gal. It is definitely a time saver in moving a group forward, but sometimes leaves casualties in its wake. My pastor once told me that in some organizations making change is like turning a giant cruise ship…you’ve got to turn slowly, a little at a time, or you risk sinking the whole ship. These are wise words! The next time your group deploys a new idea or concept for change, take the time to get buy in and input from all groups. It slows the process, but keeps the ship upright!

It takes possibility thinkers to move a group forward. The size of the group doesn’t matter. Are you a leader in a rural town trying to build tourism traffic? Perhaps you are on a school board with the difficult task of consolidating schools. Or maybe it is a change within your own home like getting the kids to bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room. Being a change-maker often makes you unpopular with certain factions. Do not get discouraged but rather ask for their input and line of thinking. Listen carefully to their thoughts. Engaging stakeholders who think or feel differently than you can ultimately help you craft a better plan. 

So today I encourage you to be the enthusiastic one in the group. Share new ideas and concepts. Make your possibility thinking contagious. Be supportive of others’ ideas or give constructive criticism if not. Think of yourself on a cruise ship… remember to turn slowly and keep the ship upright!