17 Jul 2024
As the founder of an edtech business, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges and obstacles. From developing the platform, sourcing talent, to navigating market demands, the journey has been anything but smooth.
One concept that has significantly shaped my approach to these challenges is "possibilism," a term I learned from William Ury. Possibilism is the idea that, while we may not be able to control all aspects of our environment or the actions of others, we do have the power to influence outcomes through our attitudes and actions.
Good for: Influencing outcomes through our attitudes and actions.
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I will admit that I am that annoying friend who always encourages people to see the glass as half-full. Possibilism begins with a fundamental mindset shift. Rather than focusing on limitations or obstacles, it encourages us to seek and create possibilities.
I like this approach as is encourages us to move from a defeatist perspective to one that embraces potential. For me, this means viewing each setback as an opportunity to innovate and find new paths forward.
Shaping our perception of reality
Influencing outcomes through our attitudes and actions starts with the fundamental understanding that our mindset shapes our perception of reality. By adopting a proactive and positive outlook, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
When we approach situations with a belief in our ability to make a difference, we open ourselves to creative solutions and new possibilities. This mindset shift not only empowers us to take decisive actions but also inspires those around us to do the same.
It's about recognising that while we may not control every aspect of our environment, our attitudes and actions have a profound impact on shaping the results we achieve.
I adopted a possibilist mindset
When I first launched the Reevew platform, I faced significant challenges, however instead of seeing this as a dead end, I adopted a possibilist mindset.
A crucial element of possibilism is proactivity. This involves taking initiative and actively seeking ways to influence outcomes positively. In the early days of my business, waiting for opportunities to come to me was not an option. I have had to create my own opportunities.
For instance, when I struggled to get the platform noticed, I proactively reached out to people, offering free trials and demonstrations. This proactive approach generated buzz and interest, leading to a surge in user adoption that I might have missed if I had remained passive.
Barriers and obstacles
One of the most significant obstacles to adopting a possibilist mindset is the fear of failure. This fear can paralyse us, making it difficult to see beyond immediate risks and potential losses.
When running my first business the fear of failure was a constant companion. The thought of the business not gaining traction or my ideas being rejected by was daunting. However, I realised that allowing fear to dominate my decisions prevented my progress. By focusing on the possibilities rather than the pitfalls, I took calculated risks that ultimately paid off.
Limiting beliefs are another major barrier. These are ingrained notions about our abilities, potential, and the world's nature. They often stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or negative feedback.
I remember the moment I doubted my capability to lead an innovative edtech company due to my non-technical background. However, I challenged this limiting belief by investing in continuous learning and surrounding myself with a team of skilled developers. This shift enabled me to contribute effectively to the company's growth and innovation.
Negative self-talk is the internal dialogue that undermines our confidence and reinforces doubts. It often manifests as harsh self-criticism and pessimism.
During the tough phases of my entrepreneurial journey, negative self-talk would often creep in, telling me that success was unattainable. To combat this, I practiced mindfulness and positive affirmations, which helped reframe my thoughts and maintain a possibilist outlook.
Overcoming barriers
To help you overcome these barriers and embrace a possibilist mindset, here's a checklist of actionable steps:
Recognise and confront your fears. Understand that failure is a part of the learning process.
Identify and question the beliefs that hold you back. Replace them with empowering beliefs.
Gradually expose yourself to new experiences and challenges. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Practice mindfulness and positive affirmations. Reframe negative thoughts into constructive ones.
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth and provide constructive feedback.
Possibilism emphasises the importance of creativity. By using imagination and creativity, we can find new solutions and alternatives that we might otherwise overlook. In my journey, creativity has been a cornerstone of our success.
When traditional marketing channels proved too expensive, I turned to social media and content marketing. I created engaging, educational content that resonated with the target audience. This not only saved money but also built a loyal community around the brand. Creativity enabled me to turn a constraint into an opportunity, illustrating the power of a possibilist approach.
To conclude, embracing a possibilist mindset requires more than just understanding its principles. It involves actively overcoming the barriers that prevent us from believing in what's possible. By acknowledging and addressing these obstacles, we can unlock our true potential and open ourselves to a world of possibilities.
"What limiting beliefs are holding me back, and how can I challenge and change them today?"
"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right." – Henry Ford
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