How Impossible Things Get Done

That’ll NEVER Work! How Impossible Things Get Done

Presented in October 2023, this presentation is about what is possible when you truly believe you can accomplish something incredible. As as smart person once said, “Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

To download the slides click here: That Will Never Work: How Impossible Things Get Done

What is the largest taxi company in the world that owns no vehicles? Uber

What’s the largest media company that produces no content? Facebook

What’s the largest accommodations provider that owns no hotels? AirBNB

What’s the largest retailer in the world that owns no stores? Alibaba

Impossible things are happening all around us.

Remember rule #6 (Don’t take yourself too seriously) 

And there aren’t really any other important rules other than this one. If someone is bothering you at work, probably rule #6. Had a bad pitch to a client? They probably don’t know about rule #6! You best inform them. Just having a bad day? Yup, rule #6 for sure.

Why is this important?

Every day people are told they have a bad idea when all they are doing is just dreaming a little. When we say “that’s a bad idea” we are not only shutting down their idea but that person in general. You don’t have to be negative, you can build people up when you disagree with them. But why are you disagreeing in the first place? Do you know better than they do? Do you think you have a better understanding of the problem? No, you probably just want to disagree for the sake of it. 

We’re on the hunt for the dreamers.

The movers. The shakers. But, above all, we’re looking for the unstoppable. When your heart’s in it, and you’re all about the how as much as the what, crafting spectacular days becomes second nature.

It’s a showdown: Critics vs. Cheerleaders.

Aim to be in the cheering squad. It’s easy to be a critic, it’s easy to look at the negative. It takes a true leader to cheer people on around them, especially when they don’t have to.

So, why chase after dreamers? We’re scouting for the kind of folks who can conjure up the extraordinary. Settling for “just okay”? That’s not in our playbook. To break the mould, you’ve gotta embrace the wild, the unreasonable. Plant your feet, set your sights on the stars, and don’t budge.

Ever heard of the negativity bias?

It’s a thing – seriously, Google it. We’re wired to be Debbie Downers, resistant to change, clinging to the comfort of today being a clone of yesterday. But guess what? That’s not how the story goes. Life’s all about the plot twists. The world’s constantly evolving, and so should we.

How do you get past a negativity bias? Practice. When was the last time you complimented a stranger? It’s one of the easiest things to do. You also get a side benefit of making yourself happy as well.

• Help someone
• Talk to someone you disagree with
• Find a new perspective
• Research things you know nothing about
• Hangout with people that challenge you
• Take note of what upsets you, there is power there.

You don’t need to come up with the idea, you need to cheer someone else on when THEY do. 

How to Start a Movement

I’ve always liked this Ted Talk. We over-glorify leadership when really, the first follower is far more important than any leader. Watch and learn:

Remember! Don’t forget about Rule #6