Story of the Week
When You Can’t Control the Situation, Control Your Response
It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to be upset. But at some point, you have to ask yourself: “What does this make possible?”
That one question has changed my life more than any other.
When I was laid off from my architecture job in 2008, I could have spent months blaming the economy, my boss, or bad luck. Instead, I asked, “What does this make possible?” That question led me to start my first online business, helping architects pass an exam — a decision that changed my life.
When COVID hit, and I was stuck at home, I could have complained about canceled events and lost opportunities. Instead, I asked, “What does this make possible?” That question pushed me to learn live streaming, which I did for 365 days straight. Those skills have since opened up new business opportunities I never would have imagined.
The Power of the Possibility Question
When you’re stuck — whether in an airport, in your business, or in life — you have a choice. You can focus on what you’ve lost, or you can look for what’s now possible.
- Stuck in traffic? Maybe it’s a chance to call a friend or listen to that audiobook you’ve been putting off.
- Lost a client? Maybe it’s the push you needed to pursue a new market or finally launch that product.
- Facing a setback? Maybe it’s the universe nudging you toward something better.
Your Challenge: Flip the Script
This week, when you hit a roadblock (and you will), pause and ask yourself:
“What does this make possible?”
Write it down. Take action on one new possibility, no matter how small.
You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond — and sometimes, that’s where the real breakthroughs happen.
Here’s to finding possibility in the unexpected, especially as we close out 2025 and open the door to every opportunity waiting for us in 2026. We’ve got this!
