If you want something badly enough, rest assured, there is a way to make it happen. With the right amount of effort, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals. It is simply a matter of dedication and time.
This has been one of my life’s guiding principles. It speaks to me because it has helped me overcome personal adversities and directed me to find a life it would have never been possible otherwise.
It is the very act of having faith in this principle that creates the positive mindset required to fuel confidence in one’s abilities, the courage to learn new skills, and the discipline to be undeterred by failures along the way.
But anything? Really?
Now, you might ask, but anything is possible? Anything?
The short answer is yes, but in practice, that depends on a variety of factors related to the person’s skills, abilities, and resources, as well as the goal’s complexity, feasibility, and any potential challenges in the way.
While a 50-years-old farmer is highly unlikely to ever become an astronaut, humanity’s history is filled with so many impossibly possible stories that, for as long as the right conditions were to be in place, even something as unexpected as that, could turn out to be possible.
Impossible only impossible until someone proves it to be possible.
Take a look at the photo below.
The Earthrise photo is irrevocable proof that regardless of the complexity of a goal, as long as the right combination of skill, abilities, and resources are put towards it, it can be done.
It is true that ambitious goals can feel overwhelming, and at this point, most people assume a negative attitude and close their minds to possibilities, but for as long as you believe in this principle, even the most challenging of problems have simple solutions when broken down into smaller parts.
“We choose to go the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”
John F. Kennedy
In two hundred thousand years of human history, many of humanity’s greatest achievements and accomplishments have started as nothing more than a dream in the mind of a single person. And most people thought to be impossible.
Persistence Pays Off
When it comes to sheer determination and grit, Thomas Edison is often cited as a hallmark example. Edison faced countless failures while attempting to create a viable electric light bulb.
In fact, he tried thousands of different approaches before hitting on the right one. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” he famously remarked. The light bulb wasn’t an overnight success; it was a testament to Edison’s unwavering will to bring a transformative invention to life.
The Power of Perseverance
We have a myriad of examples of people who has transformed their world, as well as ours, through sheer willpower.
Roger Bannister’s 4-Minute Mile: Before 1954, it was considered humanly impossible to run a mile in under 4 minutes. Roger Bannister broke that barrier, showcasing the power of will.
J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter: Rowling faced numerous rejections before finally getting her first book published. Her will to continue trying led to one of the most successful book series ever.
Nelson Mandela’s Fight Against Apartheid: Mandela spent 27 years in prison but never gave up his fight against apartheid. His determination ultimately helped end institutionalized racial discrimination in South Africa.
Christopher Reeve’s Recovery Efforts: After a horse-riding accident left him paralyzed, Reeve worked tirelessly as an advocate for spinal cord research, showing the power of will to affect change even in challenging personal circumstances.
Jeff Bezos and Amazon: Bezos started Amazon as an online bookstore in a garage. His vision and will have expanded it into one of the world’s largest online marketplaces.
Ray Dalio’s Principles: His determination to understand the financial markets led him to establish Bridgewater Associates and write the book “Principles,” sharing his life and work philosophies.
Stephen Hawking – Physicist known for his work in cosmology and for overcoming severe physical disabilities to make groundbreaking contributions to science.
Mikhail Baryshnikov – One of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, who defected from the Soviet Union to pursue his career and became an iconic figure in the world of dance.
These individuals were able to turn their dreams into reality through their strong will, their belief in themselves, and their willingness to take action.
The history of human achievement is a testament to the power of human will and to our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
The pursuit of dreams is at the very core of the human experience.
A Price Must be Paid
A seemingly impossible goal can be an exciting challenge and a rewarding experience for those who achieve it, but a price must be paid. When someone claims something to be impossible, more often than not, it is because that same someone lacks the understanding that a price must be paid.
Understanding the Basics
When you set your sights on something challenging, understand that sacrifices are inevitable. These can range from sacrificing leisure time to diving into rigorous learning and training, or even overcoming psychological barriers like fear or doubt. Knowing what you’re willing to give up in advance makes the journey less daunting and more actionable.
It’s easy to commit to a goal when it’s convenient. The true test of your willpower comes when you stick to your goal even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or downright grueling. This is where the rubber meets the road; where your level of commitment separates you from mere wishful thinking.
Sometimes, it’s not just about what you will gain by achieving your goal but also what you’ll lose if you don’t. The price of not following through can be a life of wondering ‘what if,’ and that can be more costly than any tangible resource you might expend in the pursuit of your objectives.
Conclusion
In essence, most things are possible if you’re willing to pay the required price. Claiming otherwise often signals an unwillingness to make necessary sacrifices. But for those who are willing, a life of achievement and fewer regrets awaits.
The history of human accomplishments is peppered with individuals who knew this well, and you can add your own chapter to this ongoing narrative.