Doing The Impossible

1. Invest in Building a Powerful Identity

Where we are in life is based on our identity.

Identity shapes reality. Your internal sense of self, your identity, dictates your beliefs, actions, and ultimately, your circumstances. Trying to change your external situation without first changing your internal identity is like putting a $200,000 income on a $30,000 identity – it won't stick, as seen with lottery winners or the housing boom salesman who quickly lost their newfound wealth. True, lasting change starts from within.

Build from the inside out. Instead of chasing external markers of success, focus on becoming the type of person who naturally achieves those things. This involves earning your identity through consistent effort and self-improvement. Like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, their identity wasn't just being in the pros, but being great at the game, which drove their actions.

Prioritize self-development. To transform your identity, you must dedicate significant time to it. If you spend only an hour a week on personal growth compared to 167 hours on other activities, your identity won't change significantly. Invest time in reading, listening to educational content, attending conferences, and associating with high-identity individuals to reshape your thinking and become the person you envision.

2. Carefully Select Your Influences and Mentors

Your associations have a lot to do with where you are at in every area of your life.

Average of your five closest. You tend to become like the five people you spend the most time with, influencing your income, beliefs, and habits. It's crucial to consciously choose friends and associates who uplift, challenge, inspire, and hold you accountable, rather than those who might hold you back or criticize your ambitions.

Navigate criticism. Pursuing ambitious goals often means changing your associations, which can lead to criticism from those who don't understand or support your path. Prepare for this and decide not to let it deter you. True friends will offer tough love and build you up, while others may try to bring you down out of envy or fear.

Seek true mentors. Identify people who embody the qualities you aspire to have – character, vision, success in various life areas. These mentors care about you, challenge you, teach by example, and have a solid foundation. Be coachable and earn their respect; their belief in you is invaluable payment.

3. Guard Your Credibility Score Like Gold

Make your word your bond, both to yourself and to others, and you will turn yourself into a person who can be counted on.

Trust is paramount. Accomplishing the impossible requires earning the trust of others. Credibility, like a FICO score, is built over time through keeping your word and demonstrating strong character, but can be destroyed in moments. Being a reliable partner is essential for long-term success, as nobody achieves greatness alone.

Be a bridge builder. Integrity in your dealings makes people want to work with you repeatedly. Avoid burning bridges by breaking trust. Learn to say "no" or "let me get back to you" rather than overcommitting. People respect those whose word is dependable, and you will gain self-respect too.

Start with small commitments. Building a high credibility score begins with consistently following through on small promises, like returning calls or being on time. As you prove you can be counted on in little things, you earn trust for bigger commitments, eventually reaching a point where your word is as good as gold to yourself and everyone around you.

4. Become a Relentless Student of Life

If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know.

Self-education is key. Learning shouldn't stop after formal schooling. In the age of information, you have access to vast knowledge on any subject. Leaders are readers; reading allows you to internalize the wisdom of others, learning from their experiences without the pain of going through them yourself.

Utilize wasted time. Turn commuting or other downtime into personal growth seminars by listening to educational content, biographies, or expert interviews. Trading some entertainment time for learning time can significantly increase your knowledge and potential over the year.

Cultivate curiosity. Like Alice, maintain a childlike thirst for knowledge. Ask "why," "how," and "who can I learn from?" The great ones are perpetual students, constantly evolving their abilities. Kobe Bryant, even after achieving greatness, sought out Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his footwork, demonstrating a relentless desire to learn and grow.

5. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs and Thinking

You cannot solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it.

Low points can be turning points. Hitting rock bottom, whether financially, emotionally, or otherwise, can force you to challenge the thinking that led you there. Accepting responsibility for your circumstances, rather than blaming outside forces, is the first step towards change.

Change your questions. Successful people ask empowering "what if" questions that focus on possibilities and achieving dreams, while unsuccessful people focus on fears and potential failures. Shifting your internal dialogue from "What if I fail?" to "What if I can achieve the impossible?" motivates action and helps your mind find solutions.

Upgrade your mindset. To achieve ambitious goals, your thinking must evolve. This is where reading, mentors, and associations play a crucial role, exposing you to new perspectives and possibilities. Constantly challenging your current way of thinking means imagining new possibilities, stretching your beliefs, and daring to try new things.

6. Discover and Fuel Your Unshakeable "Why"

If your “why” is strong enough, the “how” doesn’t matter.

Purpose fuels action. Knowing your "why" – the deep, personal reasons behind your goals – provides the fuel needed to overcome obstacles and persist when the "how" seems difficult. While the "how" is the roadmap, the "why" gives your actions meaning and prevents you from running out of gas.

Mankind is motivated by heart. People are naturally inclined towards laziness unless something truly captures their heart. Your "why" is what you are fighting for, whether it's your family, a cause, or a desire to make a difference. The bigger your goal, the more powerful and clear your "why" must be.

Transformative power. A strong "why" can lead to dramatic personal transformation. The story of Big Mike, motivated by his blind friend Little Mike, illustrates how a powerful "why" can unlock potential and drive extraordinary effort. Identifying and connecting with your core reasons for wanting to achieve the impossible is the beginning of an exciting, changed future.

7. Embrace the Power of Hard Work and Persistence

Hard work is the price we must pay for success.

Work smarter and harder. There are no shortcuts or magic pills for success in any area of life. While working smart is important and comes with experience, it cannot replace consistent, dedicated hard work. The idea of an easy path is a myth perpetuated by quick-fix promises.

Counter the decline in work ethic. Historically, Americans worked significantly more hours than they do today, with leisure time drastically increasing. Great achievers throughout history, like Thomas Edison, Jerry Rice, and Emmitt Smith, were known for their extreme work ethic, often working far beyond the standard day.

Adversity builds toughness. Toughness is developed through pressure and challenges. Like Muhammad Ali or the author's parents escaping Iran, facing difficulties and choosing to persevere builds resilience. Playing "while hurt" – giving 100% even when you feel less – is a hallmark of those who achieve greatness. Perseverance through trials molds you into the person capable of doing the impossible.

8. Cultivate a Massive, Unseen Vision

While wearing glasses may help us see the visible, having vision enables us to see the invisible, that which does not yet exist.

Vision precedes reality. Everything starts with imagination and vision – the ability to see a future that doesn't yet exist. Before building a house, a business, or landing on the moon, it must first be conceived in the mind. Vision creates the path to a future of your own design.

Massive vision, massive results. Visionaries like Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, and the founders of Amway saw possibilities others couldn't, challenging traditional thinking and creating entirely new industries or opportunities. A massive vision inspires action and attracts others to join your cause.

Vision evolves. A truly massive vision doesn't end upon reaching a goal; it evolves and grows as you do. Apple didn't stop after the first PC; their vision for personal computing continued to expand. Having a clear, massive vision is crucial; action without vision is a nightmare, but vision without action is just a daydream.

9. Go "All In" on One Chosen Path

The great ones are not those who pursue every opportunity or try everything that interests them. They are dedicated to a path and they are not distracted by every new, shiny object that catches their eye.

Focus creates mastery. Trying to do too many things prevents you from doing any of them exceptionally well. Greatness requires dedicating your passion and effort to one primary industry or activity, committing to it fully, like going "all in" in poker.

Commit for the long haul. Becoming one of the greats means marrying your chosen industry, committing for decades, not just a few years. Michael Jordan committed to basketball, Donald Trump to real estate, Steve Jobs to innovative technology, and Muhammad Ali to boxing. They weren't easily distracted by other ventures.

Build a lasting legacy. Committing "all in" allows you to develop something that can outlive you. Alexander the Great's legacy endures because he was fully committed to his path. Choose an industry, commit 100%, and work to build something that will last long after you are gone.

10. Channel Your Obsessions Productively

If experts say you have ADHD use that God-given gift to ignore naysayers. Learn to use your crutches in life as secret weapons.

Everyone has obsessions. We all have obsessive tendencies, whether it's constantly checking email, social media, or pursuing hobbies. The difference for those who do the impossible is channeling this intense focus into productive areas that create impact.

Reframing perceived disorders. Traits like ADHD or OCD, often seen negatively, can be powerful assets when directed constructively. Many historical figures and successful entrepreneurs diagnosed with these conditions channeled their hyperactivity or obsessive focus into their work, leading to breakthroughs and achievements.

Redirect your focus. Identify your current obsessions and consciously redirect that energy towards positive goals, like reading, learning a new skill, or building your business. A little obsession, pointed in the right direction, is a vital part of achieving the impossible.

11. Master the Art of Evangelizing Your Message

Success requires the ability to sell yourself, your product or service, or your ideas.

Communication is key. While sales skills might seem specific, the ability to communicate effectively and persuade others is essential for success in any field. Whether you're a politician, a parent, or a business leader, you are constantly selling your ideas, vision, or value.

Great leaders are great salespeople. Those who achieve the impossible are often masters at communicating their vision with zeal, inspiring others to believe and follow. Their ability to persuade comes from a deep conviction that their message or cause will positively impact the world.

Develop your skills. If you want to accomplish something tremendous, becoming a prolific communicator is a must-learn skill. Study the art of sales and communication to effectively convey your vision and influence those around you.

12. Embrace Controversy and Silence Your Critics

The best way to never have others dislike you is to never do anything worth noticing.

Controversy is part of change. Doing the impossible often means challenging the status quo, going against the grain, and making decisions that others may find controversial or risky. Those who play it safe rarely achieve anything remarkable.

Critics fuel progress. People who achieve greatness often rub others the wrong way and face criticism or opposition. Instead of being discouraged, they use this doubt as motivation, compelled to prove their critics wrong. The words "it can't be done" become a challenge to "prove me wrong."

Let results speak. The most effective way to silence critics is through undeniable success. J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, Sidney Poitier, Harrison Ford, and Elvis Presley all faced significant doubt early in their careers but ultimately silenced their detractors with their achievements. Be grateful for your critics; they provide fuel for your fire.

Last updated: May 8, 2025