"THERE's no such thing as 'impossible'. Think about the word itself, Doris — 'I'm possible.'" This quote is from a movie called titled Hello, My Name is Doris. Doris isn't alone. How often do we convince ourselves that something is impossible?
We all have lofty goals and ambitions for our future self. Too frequently, our aspirations and wishes remain unfulfilled because we think they're too lofty, unrealistic or challenging to accomplish.
Saying something is impossible is an easier way out since it doesn't require much thinking, let alone effort. Saying "I'm possible" is something else. It forces our mind to set challenging goals, stretch limits and break barriers.
POWER OF THE MIND
Let's take the Muslim fasting month as an example. The first rule of fasting is to not stuff oneself with food before the cut-off time, but to set the intention to fast in one's mind. It's like sending an important signal to the brain to prepare the body for the drastic change the next day. That presumably starts a chain reaction, whereby the body cooperates and gets ready to work more efficiently with less food.
Such is the power of our mind. Napoleon Hill once said: "What our minds can conceive and believe, we can achieve." This is true not only of fasting, but also in almost all other aspects of life. People have achieved the impossible simply by starting with the thought that they can do it. They've run the toughest marathons, conquered the highest mountains, and braved the stormiest seas by setting their mind to achieve the impossible.
Don't underestimate the mind. Pay attention to our words and actions to determine if we're truly harnessing this power to the maximum. If we easily give up on a certain task, this could be a sign that we have an opportunity to improve in this area.
INNER SWITCH
Prove to ourselves that we're much stronger than we think we are. Spend some time every day to set a more challenging target for the next day, but ensuring that we stick to the day's plan. Ask the question: "How can I do things faster, better, cheaper and simpler?"
Let our creativity and critical thinking take over. Don't limit possibilities and keep pushing boundaries. Very soon, we'd be smiling excitedly at all the possible options.
Take this opportunity to train our little ones as well. Assign them daily responsibilities of varying degrees of difficulties to increase their endurance. Watch them try harder and do more as they slowly believe that they also can do it.
Praise them generously once they've completed their little missions. Take comfort in the thought that their "mind power" is slowly, but surely being harnessed in the right direction too. The next time you're feeling doubtful, turn on your inner switch and remind yourself that nothing's impossible. Tell yourself "I'm possible" and let the "why me?" doubts turn into "why not!" goals.
Zaid Mohamad coaches and trains others to bring out their best while enjoying a peaceful, purposeful life. Reach him at [email protected].
