The Art of Possibility

This book flection is written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

The Art of Possibility, a book written by Rosamund Zander and Benjamin Zander as a guide to achieving fulfilment in all endeavours in life through practices of possibility. If all life, I mean absolutely everything is simply an invention on top of an invention then why not live in a world where creativity rules the journey in life and the happiness we experience?

In this book, the Zanders outline 12 practices that will help you to escape living a measured life guided by external demands and expectations to living an internally guided life, one enriched by your creative pursuits and limitless possibilities. A life where anything is possible. A life of possibility.

Joined at the hips yet from separate backgrounds the two authors have combined a clever blend of real-life experiences and psychology theory to create 12 practices that can assist anyone in living a life of possibility.

Rosamund comes with a background in psychology, family therapy and executive coaching where she develops paradigms to help people become more effective in both their personal and professional lives. Benjamin, on the other hand, has been the conductor of The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra for the past 30 years. Together they combine timeless wisdom on leadership, creativity and possibility.

The book is broken down chapter by chapter sharing 12 practices that aim to guide and inspire us to live a life of possibility. It begins by explaining how everything in life is invented. From our thoughts, we have, to the clothes we wear, to the dreams we pursue and occasionally reach. If everything is an invention then why accept life as we do, and why not start creating a life that we desire. A life that is more ‘Me’.

For most of our lives, who we and what we are is lived by measuring ourselves based on everything else around us. What if everything else around us is stagnant? What if those that we follow, those that place external expectations on how we should live our life is incorrect? What if more is possible? If everything is invented then why not invent the kind of life that best matches and benefits you? Create your life of possibility and stop living in the world of measurement because all that we measure ourselves against was too, once invented.

From there the book ventures into many pretty cool ideas or practices to help us live a life of possibility. For example, why do we grade ourselves on our ability? What if we are all right now the very best we can be? Then we should all give ourselves an ‘A’ grade today. Being an ‘A’ student breaks down many barriers for venturing further. Sitting at a ‘C’ grade we may be limited by the need to be an ‘A’ before we can possibly imagine venturing any further. Again, remove the measurements, live without barriers, and see what else is truly possible for you.

Rule 6 talks about why it’s important not to take ourselves too seriously. I am so guilty of this however; I appreciate this rule. If life is all an invention how can it be all that serious? It’s a total creation and the rules can bend, warp, break and change in an instant. Taking ourselves too seriously puts unneeded pressure on us to get things perfect and perfection slows down creativity and possibility. And it is usually the best ideas and inventions that come from play and not from taking ourselves to seriously.

This life that we live is that way it is. Things are as they are. However, imagination and possibility could transform all of what is to something entirely different. To create a life of possibility we need to approach life from what we contribute, not from what we take. We need to focus on the relationships and come from a place of togetherness. Life is impossible without relationships. In the final chapter, the Zanders talk about why telling the WE story is paramount.

It is a powerful book and one to listen to or read again. I heard Seth Godin recommend this book and I am glad I took his advice. I for one certainly can relate to the fact that I limit myself of what is possible and it is books like this may just rattle something loose to allow me to stride forward with passion and joy.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

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Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

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