The Power of Possibility: From "What Is" to "What Could Be"

When caught in unknown situations, I often find myself coming back to the question, Kya hai, kya ho sakta hai?

Hindi for: “What is, and what could be?”

On the surface, it seems simple, but it holds so much more. It’s a question that pushes you to look beyond what’s right in front of you and imagine what might be waiting just beyond your reach. For me, it’s a guidepost, a challenge, and sometimes even a lifeline - a way to navigate moments of uncertainty, ambition, or change.

This question is not just about dreaming big; it’s about confronting reality. It asks you to look honestly at where you are today (kya hai) and then dare to envision something greater (kya ho sakta hai). I’ve come to realize that this isn’t just a philosophical exercise. It’s the foundation for growth, both personal and professional. And more than that, it’s a reminder that the world isn’t static - everything is in motion, and every moment carries the potential for transformation.

I’ve seen this tension between what is and what could be play out in every corner of life. In my own journey, it’s been the voice in my head urging me to take risks when staying put felt safer. It’s the lens I’ve used to look at challenges, trying to see them as opportunities instead of obstacles. And, of course, it’s been a way to push past my own doubts and limitations, even when it felt easier to settle for what was already comfortable.

But this question isn’t just personal. It’s universal. It’s what drives great leaders to reimagine the future, innovators to solve problems others ignore, and businesses to disrupt the status quo. Think about the companies that have reshaped entire industries. Apple, for instance, didn’t just build computers; they changed the way we interact with technology. Tesla didn’t simply make cars; they redefined how we think about energy and sustainability. These successes weren’t born from perfect conditions or guaranteed outcomes. They came from asking, kya ho sakta hai? and then committing to the hard, often messy process of closing the gap between vision and reality. I use the example of the most obvious, and the ones that we all well know, but this extends to many many more.

I know firsthand that this journey isn’t straightforward. Moving from kya hai to kya ho sakta hai requires adaptability and resilience - two qualities that I’ve come to appreciate deeply. Adaptability is about being willing to change, to let go of what’s comfortable when it no longer serves you. Resilience is about staying the course when things don’t go as planned. Together, they are what keep you moving forward, even when the path is anything but clear.

But let’s be honest: this is easier said than done.

Fear is often the first roadblock. Fear of failing, of making mistakes, or of stepping into the unknown. I’ve felt it too - the hesitation, the self-doubt. And then there’s ego, which can be just as limiting. Sometimes it’s the voice that says, “You’ve done enough.” Other times, it’s the belief that you already know all the answers. The truth is, none of us do. Humility, I’ve learned, is key - not as a sign of weakness, but as a strength that opens doors to growth, learning, and collaboration.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve realized that the most meaningful moments in my life didn’t come from staying within the bounds of kya hai. They came from embracing the possibility of kya ho sakta hai. Whether it was taking on challenges I wasn’t sure I was ready for, or stepping back to rethink how I approach problems, the act of leaning into possibility has always led to something bigger than I could have planned.

The question kya hai, kya ho sakta hai? is about so much more than just growth or ambition. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible. It’s about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of abundance. And it’s about asking, “What value can I create? What can I contribute to the world around me?” These aren’t just lofty ideals - they’re practical, guiding principles that can shape every decision we make.

That said, this mindset isn’t about quick wins. It’s about playing the long game. It’s about showing up, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. And it’s about asking “What if?” - not just once, but over and over again. The journey from kya hai to kya ho sakta hai isn’t about finding a definitive answer. It’s about staying curious, staying committed, and allowing yourself to dream bigger than the circumstances around you might suggest.

So, here’s what I’ve learned, and what I keep learning every day: when you find yourself standing at a crossroads, pause. Take a good, hard look at kya hai. Acknowledge it for what it is. And then ask yourself, kya ho sakta hai?

It’s not always an easy question to answer, but the act of asking it - of allowing yourself to imagine something more - is often the first step toward creating the future you want.

Because the truth is, kya ho sakta hai isn’t something out there waiting to be discovered. It’s already inside you, waiting to be realized. And the moment you choose to embrace that possibility, you’ve already begun to bridge the gap.