40 years ago this past week man accomplished what many considered to be impossible - we landed on the moon, planted the flag of our great country into its surface, and safely returned the crew of three astronauts to earth. As I watched the media coverage of this historic anniversary, I couldn't help but think about the important role that Mindset Power played in this incredible accomplishment.
Imagine it is 1955 - two years before the space age and the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik. If a stranger were to ask if it were possible for a man to walk on the moon in the next 15 years, how would you respond? Would you laugh at this stranger and think them to be mad, or would you pause, think, and reply "it's possible - difficult, but possible"? I will admit that it is hard to give an unbiased answer to the hypothetical question I just posed, but I find it an interesting question to consider nonetheless.
As I stare out at the moon this evening I still find it amazing that 12 humans have actually stepped foot on our closest companion in our solar system. As incredible as this is, I feel confident in saying that if one were to ask these 12 individuals the same question I posed above in 1955 their replies would be a resounding and unwavering "yes". I'll bet the crew of the six Apollo missions would have answered the same way.
What if the crew didn't believe the mission were possible? Would the outcome of these mission have been the same?
Without a "can-do" attitude and the ability to "tune-out" the skeptics I don't think it would have been possible. Our mindset plays a critical role in our ability to accomplish even the most far fetched goals. A negative mindset can kill an otherwise ambitious but achievable goal, while a positive and upbeat mindset can provide that little "extra" needed to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
What goals and challenges are you facing in your career right now? What is your mindset towards these goals and challenges? Are you focused on the possibilities or the limitations?
Your mindset is a powerful force - choose it wisely!
If you're feeling stuck or hopeless against the challenges you are facing, think about the brave crew of that first mission to the moon and remember that with the right mindset one can turn the impossible into reality.
Now go Maximize Possibility!
