In an earlier newsletter article, titled "Thoughts of Success", I said this about fear: "Fear is an insidious visitor to our thoughts. It calls itself by other names, such as 'practicality' . . ., presents itself as a trusted advisor, and then, methodically and often logically, argues us out of our best dreams and ideas."

When we are wondering whether something we want to do (or would want to do, if we would let ourselves think about it!) is practical, we are not in touch with the possibility of doing it successfully. Rather, we are in touch with the likelihood that we won't succeed or that others will not believe that we can succeed or we may be aware of instances when someone else has not succeeded.

None of this is helpful or gives a true indication of whether we could succeed if we tried. The fact that something looks impossible has never been an accurate predictor of whether it could be achieved.

In trying to be practical, we persuade ourselves not to try, and, in my experience, this is often an expression of fear. So let us resolve, as we dream our dreams and choose our paths, to not be practical.

Suppose that you wanted to become a professional athlete. It might not be a very practical choice, but it might be doable. You would need to, among other things, learn the rules of the game, practice your skills and figure out how one becomes a professional player. To not do those things would doom your chances, no matter how full of faith and determination you might be.

Faith, hope and determination cannot make up for being ignorant or naive about how to achieve what you're trying to achieve.

This is why successful people intentionally educate themselves about how to be successful in the area they have chosen. Then they create a smart, strategic plan and follow the steps they've outlined. The alternative to being either too practical or too impractical is to be willing to educate yourself and then do what is necessary.

Excerpt From Valedictory Address to Notre Dame, May 17, 2008

Speaking of the impossible, I believe that word takes unfair blame for people's unwillingness to try. It seems like whenever you have an audacious goal, someone wants to focus on its impracticality. And it's easy to give up on something you know will be difficult, something perhaps no one else even believes can happen, but those are exactly the goals worth fighting for. So from now on, if people aren't telling you it's impossible, you haven't set your goals high enough. Nothing truly great has ever been achieved with unanimous support. To change things, to really make a difference, you must be willing to be opposed, to be called crazy, to be told it's impossible, because it's how you respond in those moments that will define you. Others will always be quick to tell you what you can't do, but you should never be content doing the things everyone knows you can do. Now, you must dare to do the things no one believes you can do. And let every person, every voice who tells you "you can't" propel you to prove that you can.

Here is a short list of things that were believed to be impossible:

• Airplanes flying
• The electric light bulb
• The V-8 (in-line) engine
• The four-minute mile
• Breaking the sound barrier

Want to add to the list? Add a suggestion in the comments section below.

Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it. - James Baldwin

"Achieving Work Life Balance", an educational seminar to PROPEL, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce Young People's Group, on May 21st.

Does your group need someone to talk to them about "Staying Up in Down Times" or "Handling Unexpected Changes"? These topics have been well- received by others, and can be adapted to fit your group's time frame. Contact me at: rhoda@grownewleaves.com