It is always impossible until it is done.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "It is always impossible until it is done" encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of human achievement and the psychology of perseverance. At first glance, it might seem straightforward, but beneath its simplicity lies a wealth of wisdom.
At its core, the quote speaks to the common tendency to perceive challenges or daunting tasks as insurmountable barriers. It acknowledges the initial disbelief or doubt that often accompanies ambitious endeavors. When faced with a new goal or aspiration, it's natural for individuals to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. This feeling of impossibility can be paralyzing, leading many to abandon their pursuits before even attempting them.
However, the quote urges us to reconsider our perspective. By asserting that something is "always impossible until it is done," it suggests that the boundary between the possible and the impossible is not fixed but rather a product of our perceptions and actions. What appears unattainable from a distance can become achievable through determination, effort, and perseverance.
Furthermore, the quote highlights the transformative power of human agency. It emphasizes the role of initiative and action in turning the seemingly impossible into reality. While the path to success may be fraught with obstacles and setbacks, it is ultimately our willingness to confront challenges head-on and persist in the face of adversity that enables us to overcome them.
In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for innovation and progress. Throughout history, countless achievements once deemed impossible—from space exploration to technological advancements—have been realized through the ingenuity and tenacity of individuals who refused to accept limitations.
Moreover, the quote serves as a reminder that what may seem impossible to one person may be entirely achievable to another. It underscores the subjective nature of impossibility and the importance of self-belief in shaping our perceptions of what is attainable. By challenging conventional wisdom and pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible, individuals have the power to redefine the limits of human potential.
Ultimately, the quote "It is always impossible until it is done" encourages us to approach challenges with optimism, resilience, and a willingness to defy the odds. It invites us to embrace the journey of turning the seemingly impossible into the possible and to recognize that our greatest accomplishments often lie on the other side of our perceived limitations.
Who said the quote?
The quote "It is always impossible until it is done." was said by Nelson Mandela (Bio / Quotes). Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary and iconic figure who dedicated his life to the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Applying the quote to your life
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "It is always impossible until it is done" is a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. One striking historical example that embodies this sentiment is the story of the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed the first humans on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
At the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a fierce competition to demonstrate technological and ideological superiority. The Soviet Union had already achieved several significant milestones in space exploration, including launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, and sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into orbit. Meanwhile, the United States was determined to catch up and surpass its rival in the space race.
President John F. Kennedy boldly declared in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the decade. At the time, this goal seemed audacious and almost impossible. The technology required for such a mission was in its infancy, and the challenges of space travel, including propulsion, navigation, life support, and lunar landing, were immense.
However, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, NASA engineers and scientists worked tirelessly to achieve Kennedy's vision. They conducted countless experiments, developed new technologies, and overcame numerous setbacks and failures along the way. The Apollo program faced setbacks, including the tragic loss of Apollo 1 astronauts in a cabin fire during a pre-launch test in 1967. Yet, the resolve to reach the Moon remained unwavering.
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins aboard. Four days later, Armstrong and Aldrin landed the lunar module, Eagle, on the surface of the Moon while Collins orbited above in the command module, Columbia. As Armstrong descended the ladder and set foot on the lunar surface, he uttered the iconic words, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."
The successful completion of the Apollo 11 mission demonstrated that what once seemed impossible could be achieved through human ingenuity, determination, and collaboration. Despite the challenges and doubts, the vision outlined by President Kennedy was realized, showcasing the boundless potential of human endeavor.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In our daily lives, we often encounter challenges and goals that may appear daunting or even impossible to achieve. Whether it's pursuing a dream career, starting a business, overcoming personal obstacles, or making a significant change in our lives, the quote "It is always impossible until it is done" serves as a beacon of inspiration and motivation.
Consider, for instance, the journey of an aspiring entrepreneur who dreams of launching a successful startup. At the outset, the entrepreneur may face numerous hurdles, including securing funding, developing a viable business plan, navigating market competition, and overcoming self-doubt. The road ahead may seem fraught with obstacles, and achieving success may appear out of reach.
However, by embracing the mindset embodied in the quote, the entrepreneur can draw strength from the examples of those who have defied the odds and achieved their goals against all expectations. Instead of being deterred by the apparent impossibility of the task, the entrepreneur can focus on taking concrete steps towards their vision, breaking down the overarching goal into manageable milestones, and persistently working towards them.
Through perseverance, creativity, and resilience, the entrepreneur can gradually turn the seemingly impossible into reality. They may encounter setbacks and challenges along the way, but by remaining steadfast in their determination and unwavering in their belief, they can ultimately succeed in bringing their entrepreneurial vision to fruition.
In this way, the quote serves as a reminder that what may initially seem beyond reach can become attainable through sheer dedication, effort, and perseverance. By embracing the mindset that nothing is impossible until it is accomplished, individuals can overcome obstacles, defy expectations, and unlock their full potential to achieve greatness in their endeavors.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.