Book of the Month: The Art of Possibility - Rosamund and Benjamin Zander
For Companioning Your Journey’s fourth Book of the Month, Rosamund and Benjamin Zander’s, “The Art of Possibility”.
About the Authors and Publication
Written by power couple Rosamund Zander and Benjamin Zander, “The Art of Possibility” is a truly powerful piece that speaks to rethinking the way we look at the world. Rosamund Zander is a family therapist and executive coach who champions a leadership model that encourages people to be the best they can by tapping into possibilities. Her husband, Benjamin Zander, is a renowned conductor who works with a unique blend of musical and life teachings that inspire the best in his ensembles both as musicians, and as people.
Key Take Aways
Overall Premise
The primary idea behind this book is that most everything about modern life is an invention. We often look at our limitations (whether those are real or we think them to be real). The authors encourage us to challenge and reject those limitations and look at the abundant possibilities that surround us. Instead of comparing ourselves to how others have done things or listening to the way things have traditionally been done, we should think about the unique ways that we can make new outcomes possible.
The 12 Practices of The Art of Possibility
1. It’s All Invented: Assumptions are Restrictions
As shared above, the modern understanding of life is invented. If it is all invented, why not invent a way of looking at life that benefits you?
2. Step Into a Universe of Possibility: Step Away from the Edge In Fact, Go Right Over It
Try and step into this mindset. When you are faced with an obstacle, think about what could be and do what you can to create it!
3. Giving an “A”: Overcome the Restrictions of Labels
One of the ideas the book speaks to is giving out A’s to the people around you. Assume the best intention in others and when you look for the best in those around you, you are likely to find it!
4: Be a Contribution: Shift Away from Self-Concern
Step away from the norms of measuring or comparing your life to others. Focus on how you measure up to you and focus on how you can add the most to the world you want to live in.
5: Lead from Any Chair: Leaders are Not just at the Top
Don’t wait for an opportunity to lead, be a leader in the way you live your life. Not by taking the reigns from others, but by being the best you that you can be and encouraging others to be their best.
6. Rule #6: Don’t Take Yourself so Seriously
We often take ourselves so seriously that we miss out on letting loose, having fun, and trying something new. So what if we aren’t good at it right away or we make a fool of ourselves? Let’s get out there and grow!
7. The Way Things Are: Changing Your Language can Change Reality
Words have remarkable power and build a frame of reference to how we view ourselves and the world. Change your language and you truly can change your reality.
8. Giving Way to Passion: Continue Where You Normally Quit
Redraw the box that you have placed yourself in and think about what would need to change to make your dream possible? See if you can make it so!
9. Lighting a Spark: Shine Some Light
We will find what we are looking for. The more you look for problems, the more you will find to prove it impossible. The more you look for possibility, the more you will find a way through.
10. Being the Board: Own Your Problems
You are the director of your life and the only one who can fully steer your ship. Even in the face of something horrible, we are the ones who choose how we respond. Take the wheel and believe in what you can do.
11. Creating Frameworks: Mission Statements are Simply Constraints
Think of the adage, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” People who describe the glass as being half-full are not optimists, they are the ones who are centered in reality. They are speaking to what really is. Those who say the glass half empty are the ones focusing on something that is not really there.
12. Telling the We Story: Focus on Relationships Rather than on Yourself
We are in this together. I often say, “We do better together.” We are not in this alone. Ask for help, give help when you can, and go it together instead of going it alone.
What Made this the Book of the Month
One of the foundations of my practice and the symbol behind the elephant is the idea of pulling against the tethers we have been made to believe we can not break. This book speaks to the remarkable possibilities that we have the ability to create in life, no matter where we are at. You are powerful and you can make unimaginable things possible.
Call-To-Action
What would be one thing in your life that you would like to get creative about to see what you can make possible? Let’s say you woke up tomorrow and you were even a half a step closer, what might you have done to get there?
What has been one of your most impactful reads? Are there any that you feel like more people should get their hands on? Let me know and I would be happy to read and review in a future post!