I recently listened to a keynote speaker from the back of the room. As the final speaker of the day, I had time to reflect when he put up a slide that read, “Make the impossible possible.”

It struck me how non-motivational that phrase actually is. The gap between impossible and possible is overwhelming—paralyzing, even. No wonder so many people feel stuck.

Instead, I’ve learned to focus on a far more effective mindset: “Make the possible, probable.”

When faced with a challenge, I don’t ask, Is this possible? because most things are. Instead, I ask, What will it take to make this probable? Then I align my actions with that answer. Extraordinary achievements don’t happen by doing the impossible; they happen by methodically transforming possibilities into probabilities.

From Possible to Probable in Action

Walking 52 miles? It’s possible—I know people who’ve done 100-mile races. But making it probable for me meant committing to the training, joining forces with my friends Sterling and Haviland, and showing up, mile after mile. Together, we got it done.

Facing 29,029 vertical feet—the elevation of Everest? Possible, sure. It’s been done by thousands. But probable? That took a conversation with Marc Hodulich, the event’s CEO, a rigorous training plan, and relentless discipline. Each early-morning ruck and weekend trail session shifted the odds in my favor. Three Everest-equivalents later, what once seemed daunting is now a personal benchmark. Marc, a source of constant inspiration, will kick off the 2025 MLM Inner Circle “How I See It” Speaker Series—a perfect example of turning possibility into probability.

Training with Navy SEALs? Sure, it’s possible—just write the check. But succeeding under their grueling conditions? That required preparation: learning techniques, logging hours of reps, and choosing discomfort over comfort every single time. Cold, wet, sandy, tired—those became my new normal, the crucible where I thrived.

Even competing in HYROX taught me the difference between possible and probable. Anyone can sign up. But performing well? That’s built in the sweat of every ski-erg session and sandbag carry, where I pushed harder than yesterday. Over a year of deliberate, measurable preparation turned a podium finish into a probability.

The Takeaway

Possible to probable isn’t about false hope. It’s measurable and achievable. It’s about looking at something that’s been done by someone like you and committing to the work. I wasn’t alone at any of these events, and neither will you be. It’s about choosing action—deciding something is possible and taking the steps to make a positive outcome probable.

So, instead of chasing the impossible and doing nothing, start by making the possible probable. Remember: Possibility is potential energy. Probability is kinetic energy. It’s the difference between having a map and actually making the journey.

What journey will you make probable today?