Moving from Impossible to Possible: The Power of Belief

I recently came across a powerful story that perfectly illustrates the incredible potential within each of us to turn the impossible into the possible. It’s a true tale about a man named George Dantzig, a grad student in mathematics during a time when jobs were incredibly scarce in the United States.

George’s math professor, who was the head of the mathematics department, offered a coveted position to the student who achieved the highest grade on the final exam. The job was highly sought after—everyone wanted it. Determined to succeed, George studied relentlessly, staying up until the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, he overslept and arrived late to the exam.

Despite his tardiness, George began working through the eight math questions on the test. He completed them without much difficulty. Then, he noticed two additional problems written on the blackboard. Assuming they were part of the test, he copied them down and began to work on them. But these problems were different. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t solve them.

As time passed, George grew increasingly frustrated. He thought, “Someone in this room is going to solve these problems—why not me?” He persisted, working tirelessly, but by the end of the exam period, he still hadn’t cracked them. Some students requested extra time, and the professor agreed, allowing them to take the test home and return it by Friday. George, too, asked for more time.

For the next few days, George immersed himself in the problems. He stayed up late, working night after night. By Thursday morning, he had solved one of them. He continued pushing himself, and finally, late Thursday night, he solved the second problem. He turned in his test just before the Friday deadline, then returned home, uncertain of what would come next.

Early Sunday morning, George was awakened by a knock at his door. His professor stood outside, excitement in his eyes. “George, you’ve made mathematical history!” the professor exclaimed. He then asked, “You were late to the test, right?”

George, worried he had done something wrong, replied, “Yes, I was. Did I mess up?”

The professor smiled and said, “Not at all. The eight questions on the test were the actual exam. The two problems on the board were unsolved mathematical equations—problems even Einstein couldn’t solve. How did you do it, George?”

Stunned, George realized that if he had known those problems were deemed unsolvable, he likely wouldn’t have tried to solve them at all. He would have defined his relationship to the problem differently, assuming it was beyond his capability. But because he didn’t know, he approached the problems with the belief that they were possible to solve—and he succeeded.

This story is a powerful reminder that the potential to overcome the impossible resides within each of us. We all face challenges that seem insurmountable at times, but it’s crucial to remember that we are connected to infinite possibilities. The power and potential to achieve what we desire, to give what we wish to give, and to build a life we truly love is already within us.

No matter what challenges you may be facing, know that there is always a solution available. The key is to remain open to the possibility that anything is possible. When you do, you tap into a well of creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience that can carry you through even the most difficult of circumstances.

So, the next time you encounter what seems like an unsolvable problem, remember George Dantzig’s story. Believe in the possibility, because within you lies the power to achieve the impossible. Stay open, stay curious, and never underestimate the solutions that are waiting to be discovered.

Anything is possible.