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Why and Why Not?

Guest post by: Jim Stovall

Article Overview: I am reminded of a quote that became famous at Robert Kennedy's memorial service. "Some men see things as they are and say ‘Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, ‘Why not?'" In our society, we have become so risk-averse that we often endanger creativity. We hire consultants to tell us what is possible, but they define "possible" by determining what has already been done. It is important to realize that prior to every great advancement of humankind, the experts of the day would have assured you that it was impossible.

Why and Why Not?

I am reminded of a quote that became famous at Robert Kennedy's memorial service. "Some men see things as they are and say ‘Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, ‘Why not?'"

In our society, we have become so risk-averse that we often endanger creativity. We hire consultants to tell us what is possible, but they define "possible" by determining what has already been done. It is important to realize that prior to every great advancement of humankind, the experts of the day would have assured you that it was impossible.

Often when I speak to audiences, I ask them to go into a state that I call "neutral." This simply means to suspend the circumstances surrounding their immediate reality and examine the world of possibility. This is not as easy to do as it would seem. We have been programmed to avoid risk and measure every obstacle. So, as soon as you begin exploring possibilities by asking yourself "Why wouldn't this be possible?" your mind immediately begins counting the cost, the risk, and the probability of failure.

Please understand that we need people who examine the risk and deal with the details. They are the people who propel the ship of human endeavor. However, the captain of the ship-the person who controls the helm and the rudder-should be a big picture "Why not?" sort of person.

Everything was impossible before it was done. For decades prior to Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute-mile, it was assumed that that mark was unattainable. Within several years of Roger Bannister's record-breaking run, literally dozens of athletes around the world broke the four-minute-mile.

Visionaries open the door of possibility allowing the whole world to pass into a better, brighter, and more significant existence.

Whether you agreed with Robert Kennedy's politics or not is unimportant. The lasting legacy I hope he leaves us is that of always questioning reality and expanding the realm of possibility.

Look at every area of your life and ask the question "Why?" Then go into neutral long enough to explore all of the possibilities and ask yourself, "Why not?" You may begin to live your life at a higher level, fueled by the power of possibility.

Today's the day!

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Article Tags: creativity, Jim Stovall, productivity, risk



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