In identifying the conditions that make what’s possible possible, we have focused on:
- Commitment – persevering
- Love – helping each other succeed and remembering to be good to each other
- Differences – being surrounded by people who bring and value different gifts, talents, and points of view
A fourth essential condition for achieving what is possible is possessing a dream or vision.
A deeply held dream or vision establishes a belief in us that something is possible.
Dr. Stephen Covey referred to this as beginning with the end in mind.
Inherent in making things possible is the principle of two creations: one mental and one physical.
Without the first (mental) creation (the dream/vision/belief) it’s unlikely that we will ever attain the second (physical) creation. Dreams, visions, or beliefs pull us into a new reality.
A beautiful example of this is the powerful story of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. When Anne arrived at Helen’s home in Tuscumbia, Alabama on March 5, 1887, she had no idea that this seven-year-old child who couldn’t see, hear, or speak would someday earn a degree from Radcliffe College, write 14 books, and travel to 35 countries advocating for those with vision loss.
However, Anne began with the end in mind. She believed that Helen could learn. It’s that belief, said Helen, that “awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free.”
If we possess a deeply held dream, vision or belief, we have what it takes to overcome one of the greatest roadblocks to possibilities: complacency. Jennie Allen defines complacency as “finding comfort in mediocrity, in accepting things as they are, clinging to the status quo.”
Nothing exceptional comes from the habit of complacency.
Take a moment to self-assess:
I always keep the end in mind?
I only think about today?
Why do you rate yourself this way? Is there anything you would like to change or further develop?
From Kevin Brennan, Willow Sweeney, and Tom Cody, whose dreams have made amazing things possible.
Paul Bernabei
Director
Top 20 Training
paul@top20training.com
