Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the precipice of something unattainable, staring into the vast chasm of impossibility? Do you live on the edge of impossible? Well, let's figure out what's impossible. There are two types of impossible—capital letter Impossible and small letter impossible. Small letter impossible refers to those things that, at this moment, seem beyond your reach. The big letter Impossible relates to those feats that seem unachievable for anyone. But here’s the deal: only those who dare to live life on the edge of impossible, chasing those small impossibles, can eventually achieve a big letter Impossible.
How do I know this, you might ask? Let me tell you a story. Just about 15 years ago, I thought living in a different country and moving on my own was impossible. For me, at that time, it was a big letter Impossible. However, I knew that others had done it before, so if they could, why couldn't I? So, I took a leap and decided to tackle my small impossible, moving to a different country. Since then, I've achieved many things I once thought impossible, like writing not one, but two books, learning life coaching, transitioning between careers, and even playing a musical instrument—something I thought was absolutely out of my range, as I never considered myself musically inclined.
You can only reach the impossible when you know what it is for you and why you want to be there. Yes, it's as simple as setting goals and dreaming big. But one of the biggest secrets is to control your thoughts, which begins with being aware of them. Few of us actually take notice of the thoughts running through our minds on a daily basis. Steven Kotler, in his book *The Art of Impossible*, says it beautifully: “If you’re interested in being your best, your inner monologue needs to support the best you want to be. In fact, when it comes to sustained performance, because doubt and disappointment are constant companions, controlling your thoughts is often the ball game.”
Embracing the Small "impossibles"
The journey of life coaching often begins with identifying those small impossibles in your life. It's about taking stock of the things that feel just out of reach and setting your sights on them. Statistics show that 80% of people never set goals for themselves, and of those who do, only a mere 8% achieve them. This is where life coaching can make a significant difference. Life coaching empowers individuals to break down their big letter Impossibles into manageable, small impossibles. By setting SMART goals—Specific, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Rewarding, and Time-bound—you create a roadmap for success.
But how does one embrace these small impossibles? It starts with a shift in mindset. Take, for instance, the anecdote of my move to a new country. It wasn't just about the physical relocation; it was about redefining my narrative and challenging the norms I had set for myself. This requires deliberate action—writing a journal, attending workshops, or engaging in community events that align with your goals. Online might mean connecting with mentors via social media platforms or joining forums where people share similar aspirations.
Harnessing the Power of Life Coaching
Life coaching is an invaluable tool for transforming impossibilities into achievable realities. Through it, you gain insights into your potential and learn strategies to overcome obstacles. The allure of life coaching lies in its personalized approach—it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each session is tailored to address your unique challenges and aspirations.
Online methods of life coaching are becoming increasingly prevalent. Virtual sessions via platforms like Zoom or Skype offer flexibility and convenience. You can connect with coaches from around the world, gaining diverse perspectives. Offline, traditional face-to-face coaching remains impactful. The personal connection, the nuance of body language, and the ability to engage without digital distractions can deepen the coaching experience.
The Dance of Doubt and Determination
Living on the edge of impossible often involves a dance between doubt and determination. Doubt can be a formidable foe, whispering that you're not good enough, that failure is inevitable. Yet, it's determination that fuels the journey, pushing you to persist despite the odds. This dynamic is not unfamiliar to those who have ventured into life coaching. The coaching process itself is designed to bolster determination, to help you build resilience against the insidious nature of doubt.
In my journey of learning to play a musical instrument, doubt is a constant companion. I struggle with the basics, feel overwhelmed by the complexity of hand movements, and often question my abilities. But determination keeps me going. I practice diligently, attend lessons, watch tutorials, and engage with communities of beginners. It is a holistic learning experience, proving that the impossible is, indeed, possible.
Progressing Toward the Big Impossible
A big part of happiness is progress. When you progress through small impossibles, you eventually reach the big Impossible. At the end of life, you realize you’ve truly lived—not just gone through the motions, but experienced life to the fullest. This philosophy is central to life coaching. Coaches help you identify your big letter Impossibles, break them down into smaller, actionable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Today, I want to share an exercise that has been transformative for many of my students, and it’s yours for free. It involves visualizing your big Impossible, then listing the small impossibles that stand between you and that ultimate goal. For each small impossible, write down one action you can take today to move closer to it. This exercise, simple yet profound, can be a game-changer if you embrace it with an open heart and mind.
Conclusion: Stepping into the Impossible
Living on the edge of impossible is not about reckless abandon or blind ambition. It’s about strategic action, self-awareness, and the courage to defy your own limitations. It’s about knowing what your impossible is and why it matters, as well as harnessing the power of life coaching to guide you on this journey. Whether your journey requires online resources or offline experiences, the path is yours to carve.
So, I ask you: What is impossible for you? What small impossibles can you tackle today that will lead you to your ultimate goal? As you ponder these questions, remember that the edge of impossible is where true growth and fulfillment reside. Embrace it, live it, and let life coaching be your compass. After all, the impossible is only impossible until it’s not.
P.S. Here I am, tackling my next impossible task...
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