Whether you think you can or you think you can't... you're right" Henry Ford

Flipping the Script: Embracing Positivity to Unlock New Possibilities

It’s all too easy to find reasons why something won’t work. The risks, the hurdles, the ‘what ifs’ — our minds naturally gravitate towards them, protecting us from potential failure or disappointment. But what if we could channel that same energy into seeing potential instead of problems? Shifting from “why it won’t work” to “how it could” doesn’t just change our mindset; it unlocks opportunities we might have otherwise overlooked.

Why Negativity Holds Us Back

Negativity bias, the tendency to focus more on negative experiences or possibilities than positive ones, is an ingrained survival mechanism. In the past, spotting threats quickly helped our ancestors stay safe. But today, this same bias can be more of a barrier than a benefit, causing us to:

- Limit our potential: When we focus on reasons something won’t work, we often abandon the idea before it even begins to take shape.

- Stay in our comfort zone: Fear of failure or rejection keeps us tethered to what’s familiar, missing opportunities that could lead to growth.

- Drain our energy: Negativity often requires just as much mental energy as positive thinking but without the same motivating effect. The more we focus on obstacles, the more drained we feel.

Flipping the Script: Moving from “Why Not” to “Why Yes”

To achieve something truly remarkable, we need to be willing to entertain the possibility that it can happen. Instead of asking, “Why won’t this work?” try asking, “How could this work?” Shifting our mindset in this way leads to new possibilities, creative problem-solving, and, importantly, the resilience needed to make progress. Here are some strategies to help shift the focus towards positive outcomes.

1. Challenge the “What If” Mindset

Often, we talk ourselves out of pursuing something with endless “what if” questions: What if I fail? What if it doesn’t deliver the results I want? What if people don’t respond positively? Instead, reframe these questions with a positive twist. Ask, What if this works out better than I imagined? What if this solution actually brings real value? This subtle change primes your mind to consider the potential benefits rather than just the risks.

2. Look for Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Rather than dwelling on how something could go wrong, seek out examples of those who have succeeded in similar situations. Every challenge or risk you face has likely been conquered by someone else, so why not learn from their journey? Examining success stories allows us to see how others have overcome obstacles — reinforcing the idea that we, too, can find solutions.

3. Embrace the “10-10-10” Rule

The “10-10-10” rule, coined by author Suzy Welch, can be a helpful tool in considering the long-term impact of any action. Ask yourself how a decision or action will impact you in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. This simple exercise can offer a clearer perspective on the significance of both the risk and potential reward, and help you focus on the bigger picture rather than immediate doubts.

4. Find Practical Reasons for Optimism

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring legitimate challenges — it means finding practical reasons to believe that success is achievable. Consider what specifically could help make an idea work. For example, if you’re contemplating a new business venture, list potential resources, contacts, or experiences that give you a head start. Identify small actions you could take immediately to test your ideas. Even small wins can reinforce optimism and give you momentum to keep going.

5. Cultivate Curiosity, Not Perfectionism

When we focus too much on potential failure, it’s often because we fear the outcome won’t be perfect. Instead, approach new ideas with curiosity rather than a need for flawless execution. Ask, What could I learn from giving this a try? Curiosity allows us to explore without fear of failure, viewing every experience as valuable, whether it brings immediate success or a useful lesson.

The Rewards of Focusing on Possibility

Choosing to focus on “why something can work” leads to a series of transformative benefits:

- Stronger resilience: When setbacks happen — as they inevitably will — focusing on potential allows you to stay committed and find creative ways to keep moving forward.

- Higher motivation: A positive outlook boosts energy and enthusiasm, keeping you motivated even when challenges arise.

- Greater adaptability: Believing in possibilities makes you more flexible. Instead of a fixed, narrow view of what success looks like, you’ll be more open to different ways of achieving your goals.

Bringing It All Together: A Habit of Positivity

Turning “why not” into “why yes” is a habit that, like any other, takes time to build. Start with small shifts: the next time you catch yourself listing reasons something won’t work, pause and find just one reason it could. From there, keep building, one positive perspective at a time.

Imagine a team, organisation, or society where people consistently seek ways to make things work, rather than stopping at why they won’t. Such a culture would be primed for growth, innovation, and resilience. This is as true on a personal level as it is professionally: when we stop doubting what’s possible, we discover that far more is.

Let’s flip the script on negativity. Instead of being held back by doubt, embrace the possibility that your next step might just be the one that leads to remarkable success. By focusing on the reasons why something can work, we empower ourselves to move forward with confidence, creativity, and clarity.

Thank you for reading. Jason Cannon