Story of the Week
“What does this make possible?”
This was the question that Michael Hyatt proposed as soon as the world shut down in 2020, and it changed my life.
Everyone went through 2020 at the same time, yet some people came out of it with more opportunity and success than they had before. The key difference was how they responded to the crisis. While many people were overwhelmed and focused on the challenges and limitations, others took a step back and asked themselves, “What does this make possible?”
This question shifts your mindset from being problem-focused to possibility-focused.
It encourages you to look at a situation from a different perspective, opening up new avenues and opportunities that you might not have considered before. Here’s how you can use this powerful question to your advantage:
Step 1: Pause and Reflect
When you encounter a challenging situation or a crisis, your first instinct might be to react immediately. Instead, take a moment to pause and reflect. Give yourself the space to breathe and assess the situation calmly. This is the perfect time to ask yourself, “What does this make possible?”
Step 2: Identify New Opportunities
Consider how the current situation could lead to new opportunities. For example, when the pandemic forced many businesses to close their doors, it also accelerated the shift to online business models. Many entrepreneurs who asked, “What does this make possible?” pivoted to online services, created digital products, or found new ways to serve their customers virtually.
For me, because I couldn’t speak on real-life stages anymore, I chose to focus on mastering the virtual stage and got really good at broadcasting live video. I streamed every day for 365 days straight on YouTube and built a tight-knit community that wouldn’t have formed otherwise.
Step 3: Take Action
Asking the right questions is crucial, but it’s just as important to take action based on the insights you gain. Once you identify what the situation makes possible, create a plan and take concrete steps to pursue these new opportunities. This proactive approach can turn a crisis into a catalyst for growth and success.
Step 4: Maintain a Positive Mindset (As Much as Possible)
Cultivating a positive mindset is essential for seeing possibilities where others see obstacles. It can be extremely hard at times, but try to stay focused on what lies ahead. We can’t go back in time, but what we do now changes the story of our future.
In times of crisis, I’ve found that being around supportive people who encourage creative thinking and optimism is the best way to stay positive and focus on the future. Every setback has the potential to be a setup for something greater if you approach it with the right attitude.
Remember, in every crisis lies great opportunity. Let’s embrace it together. Cheers, and here’s to the awesome things that lie ahead!
