The Shift: From problem-finding to possibility-seeing

The Practice: When faced with a challenge, ask: “What else is possible here?”

It’s human nature to focus on what’s wrong. Our ancestors depended on it. Vigilance helped them survive. Today, that same wiring often keeps us alert but anxious. We scan for problems, real or imagined, and in doing so, can become stuck in a loop of worry, frustration, and limitation.

You may have noticed how your energy shifts when you’re around people constantly complaining or dwelling on everything going wrong. While there’s no denying that the world faces serious challenges, staying locked into a “what’s wrong” mindset makes it hard to access the creativity, courage, and clarity needed to move forward.

As a long-time worrier myself, I know this pattern intimately. I used to think that if I could just anticipate every possible issue, I’d somehow stay safe. Over time—and through practice—I came to accept that much is outside my control. That realization was surprisingly freeing and releasing my grip on what’s wrong made me feel lighter, more open, and playful. What began as an effort gradually became a habit of seeing possibilities.

Recently, I was with a group that felt defeated and disheartened. Their energy was low, and the conversation focused on everything that wasn’t working. But with a gentle shift, from a closed, critical stance to an open and curious one, something changed. We began exploring what could be done. We left the conversation uplifted, more connected, and empowered to act.

A client I was coaching, a job seeker, came in feeling hopeless. “There’s nothing out there for someone like me,” she said. We began with empathy, acknowledging the real frustration she felt. Then, with a small shift in perspective, the conversation opened up. She began to see the current market not as a dead end, but as an opportunity to explore new paths. Within minutes, her energy lifted. Possibilities she hadn’t considered came into view.

That’s the power of shifting from “what’s wrong?” to “what’s possible?”

Try This Practice

The next time you face a challenge, pause and ask:

• “What else is possible here?”
• “What haven’t I considered?”
• “What might I notice if I were open to a new path?”

You don’t have to do it alone. Find trusted colleagues, friends, or a coach to support you in shifting perspective. Together, we can tap into collective wisdom, resilience, and yes—joy.

Be a source of energy and possibility in your circles, as your mindset doesn’t just shape your experience, it influences others. When you shift, you help others shift, too, making you a responsible and influential force in your circles.