Are you a Probability Thinker or a Possibility Thinker?

In my last blog post we explored the concept of “Increasing Life” as being a philosophy and approach of expansion, enlargement and growth in all aspects of our lives, and asked the question: "Have you chosen to adopt an increasing infinite mind-set or a contracting finite mindset?"

These mindsets are often accompanied by their respective styles of thinking: Finite probability thinking, or Infinite possibility thinking.

People with the more rigid finite probability thinking orientation will often have fixed mental models about the ways things are, the ways things must be and therefore have rigid limitations about what they think is possible.

Some amusing historical examples include:

“Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible."

Lord Kelvin, Scientist 1897

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.”

Charles Duell, U.S. Office of Patents 1899

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”

Ken Olson, Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers”

Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943 

“We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out”

Decca record executive on the Beatles, 1962

By contrast people with the more fluid infinite possibility mindset will frequently challenge their own and others mental models in order to make improvements, advances and progress. They think in terms of possibility. Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs seem to have adopted this thinking style:

“We are going to where no one has gone before.”

Richard Branson

“It's kind of fun to do the impossible.”

Walt Disney

"When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for
people telling you that you are nuts.“

Larry Ellison

"Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible.
Don't put a ceiling on yourself."

Oprah Winfrey

And before any of us get too amused by some of the probability thinking examples shared earlier – it is important to realise that we are all subject (to some degree or other) to our own personal limitations about what we think is possible or probable.

“In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true, within certain limits to be found experientially or experimentally. These limits are further beliefs to be transcended. In the province of the mind there are no limits."

Dr John Lilly

So are you a probability thinker or a possibility thinker?

Until next time, yours for Increasing Life!

Simon Hazeldine
Founder
Increasing Life
Dedicated to Your Health, Wealth, Success, Happiness and Freedom

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