As we enter later life, many of us wonder if our world is shrinking. Is it becoming smaller than it was in our middle years?
Should we slow down and take our foot off the gas, as society often tells us to? Does setting big goals mean inviting stress back into our lives after we’ve escaped it? If these questions resonate with you, then it’s time to rethink what’s
possible. Adam Kotler’s The Art of the Impossible offers powerful insights that may just inspire you to embrace the impossible.
In The Art of the Impossible, Kotler challenges the very definition of “impossible.” He reframes it as something that is achievable—just beyond your current capabilities. If what the world suggests is “possible” in later life feels uninspiring, maybe it’s time to reframe your own idea of what’s impossible.
Here are Kotler’s key principles on how to make the impossible your next adventure:
1. Find Motivation Through Curiosity, Passion, and Purpose
Motivation is the starting point for everything. Kotler suggests that the secret lies in activities that sit at the intersection of curiosity, passion, and purpose. Remember those long-lost projects you once dreamed about but put aside due to a busy career or raising a family? Are you still curious about them? Could they bring new purpose to your life now? This is your chance to reignite those passions.
2. Embrace Learning as a Lifelong Journey
Even if you don’t have all the skills required for your impossible goal, get ready to learn. Learning isn’t just about acquiring new knowledge; it’s also about the joy of the process. The more you learn, the more you’ll discover there is to learn, which makes achieving the impossible feel less daunting. Adopt a beginner’s mindset—allow yourself to fail and celebrate incremental victories. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.
3. Unlock Creativity to Overcome Challenges
Creativity isn’t confined to the arts. It’s a powerful tool for problem-solving and entrepreneurship, helping you to view obstacles from fresh perspectives. Kotler emphasizes the value of cross-disciplinary thinking—drawing on ideas from various fields to tackle your “impossible” projects. For example, designer Ayse Birsel’s book, Design the Long Life You Love, encourages using design thinking to reimagine your life and approach it with new energy.
4. Harness the Power of Flow State
Kotler discusses the concept of “flow”—a state of optimal consciousness where you’re performing at your best. When you enter this state, your creativity and learning work together to propel you forward. Flow makes the pursuit of your impossible goal enjoyable and effortless. Kotler also provides practical strategies for achieving flow, which can help you stay motivated and productive on your journey.
5. Boost Brain Health Through Neuroplasticity
By following Kotler’s approach, you’ll be tapping into neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life. Learning, creativity, and problem-solving all contribute to this process, improving brain health and helping you reach your full potential. The more you challenge yourself, the more your brain adapts, making it easier to achieve your impossible.
So, What Could Your Impossible Be?
Your “impossible” could take many forms:
- Overcoming obstacles: Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Accomplishing something you once thought was beyond your capabilities can bring a new sense of joy and confidence.
- Reinventing yourself: Retirement often offers the perfect opportunity to reinvent who you are. You’re already restructuring your daily routines, so why not do so intentionally? This is your chance to reshape your life in exciting ways.
- Leaving a meaningful legacy: Do you want to leave something behind for your family, community, or the world? Maybe your “impossible” is creating a lasting impact that goes beyond yourself.
Moving Forward, Not Standing Still
Later life is not a time to tread water or feel like you’re moving backward. It’s your chance to embrace ambitious goals and to redefine what’s possible. With some wisdom from Adam Kotler’s The Art of the Impossible, you can make the impossible your new reality.
So go ahead—strive for the extraordinary. This is your moment to make the impossible happen.