Believe: It is possible.
Opportunities abound around us for inspiration. We may often get challenged or encouraged to react to such opportunities, but thoughts and reactions usually differ.
One would have thought that it could make a difference if you knew you could do something or achieve a particular feat or succeed in a project, but it is not always the case.
You may have found that we think, see and act differently when we have the same opportunity. One may see it as good, while another focuses on the challenge and take no further action. Someone can see progress while another sees set back. One person can see possibility while another sees impossibility. How can you explain the different results or attitudes of two people in the same situation? The difference in results is a function of many factors, one of which is how we think.
“Anyone that will not see beyond challenges is not different from one that cannot see.”
The story of twelve spies in ancient Israel may provide some crucial lessons. They were selected from each tribe to explore the land promised to their ancestors. The explorers returned with their report after forty days of exploring the land. One would have probably thought they said the same thing, but no, they had differing thoughts even though they had the same experience—only two of the twelve believed they should go for it. They said it was a good place, and they were excited about the opportunities and possibilities.
The majority of the spies saw the same thing, but they interpreted it differently and thought differently. They concluded it was not a good idea. They saw the problems, the dangers—what could happen to them—the negative and frightening thoughts. Like the effects of some people’s comments, their reports frightened the people, and they decided against it. Have you ever heard some analysis that had the potential to destroy your plan, vision, or choice? It was probably something like that because many people lost interest immediately.
“The challenges of humankind are common, but the way we react to them makes the difference for each one.”
The two men, Joshua and Caleb, knew it was possible—remember, they saw the same things but their thoughts and reports were not the same. They did everything possible to convince the people, even tearing their clothes—to probably show inexplicable sorrow for the decision, but that was not strong enough to change the minds of others. Although the land was for all of them, they were the two exceptions that entered.
Anyone that will not see beyond challenges is not different from one that cannot see. You can get what others will not get if only you have insight into what they can not see. They knew they could do it and were willing to do all they could—it would be possible.
If you know you can and willing to do all you can: it is possible. Most often than not, the successful may perceive the same opportunity as the failure, but they react to it differently. The poor walks past the same challenges as the rich, but they see it differently. The brave will spot the same secret as the coward, but the priorities may differ. One is afraid, but another sees an opportunity and takes advantage of it.
The challenges of humankind are common, but the way we react to them makes the difference for each one. If you know you can and do all you can, you may discover that it is possible.
