Leaders, especially great ones, are not called to simply achieve the easily attainable. In fact, they often begin to reveal themselves only after something has been deemed “impossible.” They dream big and challenge those they lead to achieve more. Of course, all of that is easier said than done. It takes the right combination of mindset and strategy for leaders to transform vision into reality. Here are some practical steps you can take to do just that.
1. Redefine What’s Possible
What seems impossible is often just unexplored potential. Stanford professor Carol Dweck’s research on “growth mindset” demonstrates that when individuals believe their abilities can improve with effort, they’re more likely to tackle challenges head-on and persist in the face of setbacks. Leaders can embrace this mindset by re-framing obstacles as opportunities. Instead of asking, “Is this possible?” ask, “How can we make this happen?”
2. Set Big Goals; Then Break Them Down
Setting big goals is important because it creates a sense of challenge that can inspire teams. However, meaningful progress is what drives motivation over time. Therefore, those goals must be broken down into milestones that are specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time bound. We call those S.M.A.R.T. goals, and they are what allow us to make big leaps forward towards a vision. From my home in Tampa, we can often see SpaceX rockets launching from Cape Canaveral. Each one is a mission in and of itself, but they are also part of Elon Musk’s ambitious goal of colonizing Mars one day. Every rocket launch is its own milestone goal towards that big vision.
Leaders can create confidence and motivation in their teams by providing them with practical roadmaps for achieving the big vision. Each small win along the way builds belief in the larger mission.
3. Use Your Team’s Collective Intelligence
One of the loneliest feelings in leadership is the false idea that you must come up with every great idea on your own. Nothing could be further from the truth. But how do you generate solutions to big problems. The first step is to gather a team, and the more diverse, the better. Teams made up of people with varying skillsets, experiences, and viewpoints are often the most creative. When you gather the right team, the leader’s role shifts from being the person with all the answers, to the encourager of open dialogue.
This is one reason why I love brainstorming sessions so much. The key is to set aside the time to do it, instead of simply trying to shortcut to a solution. Don’t sell yourself or your team short! Set a big goal for the number of ideas you’ll generate. (If your team doesn’t groan, then the number probably isn’t big enough.) Then, go for it! This method often leads to breakthrough ideas.
4. Remain Resilient and Adaptable
Achieving the impossible is never easy. If it was, then we wouldn’t see it as impossible. Because the process is often long and rarely linear, leaders must foster resilience. There will likely be setbacks for both you and your team and how you handle them will often determine your level of success.
Remain adaptable and flexible. Regularly discuss challenges and opportunities with your team. Use your Leader Effectiveness Training skills to keep your team encouraged. Don’t be afraid to pivot, if needed.
5. Have Faith
Achieving the impossible often starts with faith. Your faith in God, the mission, and your team’s potential not only keeps you motivated, but it can also inspire your team too. The most effective leaders practice what I call “practical optimism.” In contrast to blind optimism, practical optimism acknowledges real limitations while helping team members move past their own (often incorrect) perceptions of their own limitations. Practical optimism drives teams forward, inspires confidence, and energizes the entire organization.
So, what’s your “impossible” goal for 2025?
The leaders who accomplish the impossible next year will likely not be the most talented. Rather, they will be the ones who dare to think boldly, build and motivate great teams, and persist in the face of challenges. By choosing to pursue big goals, breaking down those goals into S.M.A.R.T. milestones, and leading with resilience and faith, you can do the impossible in 2025.
Remember, the impossible is only impossible until it’s done.