Possibilities
As you may know, I’m the president of the National Speakers Association/Northern California. Our mission is to inspire quality and professionalism in both speaking and business development for those who use the platform in their work. The following article was written and published in the Fall 2009 issue of Professionally Speaking magazine to encourage our members and readers to remember possibilities. I hope you are inspired to remember possibilities as well.
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Children have an amazing talent – they know how to get what they want! Without any guidance from adults, they literally see possibilities and do not hesitate to try new things to get the result they’re looking for. Want proof? Go to a park or visit a playground on a sunny day. Nine times out of ten you will witness strategic planning and negotiations galore right on the blacktop, near the slide or the swings. Why? Most of the children playing are unaware of doubt, fear and self-imposed limitations – the things that typically rule the day for adults. Children embrace their intuition and insight while allowing creativity to flow. They really know how to Shake It Up!
Can you imagine what would happen if we allowed ourselves the freedom to see possibilities in our relationships and the work we do? With our knowledge and skills, especially when we collaborate with others, new ideas could be explored to foster better solutions for the situations we face. The benefits are endless. We can make this a reality by accepting a little-known fact: a change in perspectives may occur.
The possibility perspective does not let doubt, fear or self-imposed limitations impact decision making. Clouds of doom and gloom are not over our heads. We are smart and talented. We have what it takes to not only see the possibilities that are before us, but also to take advantage of them.
Opportunities for better possibilities exist. I know what some of you are thinking and I’m inclined to agree: exploring possibilities involves risk. Ahh, but the reward! The risk of freedom to expand your thoughts and do things you only imagined is well worth it. It’s OK to risk being right; to believe in your ability to see the array of possibilities around you; to do something differently.
Whenever you want a fresh take on negotiation or intuitive skills, go out and watch children play. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn. Who knows, you may take a few pointers from the playground to the boardroom. Just remember to Shake It Up!
