The first three chapters of the Art of Possibility paint a picture of life in an optimistic perspective. It projects hope, opportunity, transformation and change (if I were to use a few descriptive words). The objective of the work is summed up for us under Launching the Journey where "the objective of the book is to provide the reader the means to lift off from that world of struggle and sail into a vast universe of possibility" (pg.1 par. 1). It's like looking at life "outside the box." I like how the writer makes the firm distinction that the book is not about "turning a new leaf" or self-improvement, but that the practices presented in the book are geared at viewing life from an altogether different perspective--one that causes "a total shift of posture, perceptions, beliefs, and thought processes. They are about transforming your entire world.!" (pg. 4) I believe that the author paves the way for all of us to be transformers depending upon the way we not only view the world, but also upon the way we view ourselves.
In chapter 1, I was inspired by how the Zander's defined what the term (catchphrase) "It's all invented" is about; how it points to a more fundamental notion that our minds "construct". (pg. 12) We have preconceived ideas (assumptions) about life, how we view the world, other people (as individuals and in groups), and ourselves based upon the box that we live in mentally. "It is through the evolved structures of the brain that we perceive the world." (pg. 12) The 9-dot puzzle was puzzling for me at first, but became quite clear about how the box represents a universal phenomenon of the human mind... we as human beings have the natural propensity to think inside of a box, one which limits us in so many ways. When we begin to think outside of the box, or as the author says "its all a story we tell", we can break through the barriers of any "box" that boxes us in (confines us) to the mundaneness of life...
In chapter 2, we are brought face to face with the questions "What are these borders?" and "What is this everyday reality?" (pg. 17). The authors imply that life is full of possibilities once we're thinking outside the box, while on the other hand, our everyday world "the world of measurement", is the world that limits us to assessments, scales, standards, grades, and comparisons. I saw myself rather vividly in this chapter as the world of measurement was further described as "A universe of possibility" where everyday we strive for success. Yet on the pathway there are obstacles which vary from scarcities of time, power, money, love, resources, and inner strength... Life is about survival and people are trying to survive in many different ways. For example, scarcity thinking assumes that life is a struggle and in the struggle we survive by getting ahead because the world is full of limited resources... (they're trying to get all they can, and can all they get!) because eventually there will be none left. I see this mentality as a selfish and greedy means of survival. Then there's survival thinking: looking out for Numero uno (me, myself, and I and nobody else). That's even worse than the first. In the measurement world: you set a goal and strive for it; but in the Universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.
In chapter 3, Giving an A is an invention that creates possibility. In order to become a better YOU, you have to be considerate of others and approach people in such a way that it transforms you and them. It's seeing the best in someone before it ever manifests. The box thinking makes perceptions (judgment) about people from the beginning, but giving an A sees a positive outcome in all people from the beginning. Many lives can be changed just as the many student-musicians lives were. If we practice the practice of giving an A, we follow the new mental perspective of recognizing a universal desire in people to contribute to others regardless of any barriers. We learn to say "How fascinating" with uplifted hands when we make mistakes rather than overly criticize and become too competitive. Giving an A unleashes unlimited possibilities for students (or anyone) in contrast to giving grades which keeps students (and all people) in the box...
Reference:
Zander, B. & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming professional and
personal life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
I agree with you on the point about how the author, “paves the way for all of us to be transformers depending upon the way we not only view the world, but also upon the way we view ourselves.” Its amazing how our own opinion of ourselves dictates what we do and how we do it.
ReplyDeleteFor example people that have perceived as attractive all their lives are usually more assertive and confident than those that have been perceived as unattractive. But perception is up to the individual and life’s only limits are the one you set for yourself