The ghost of imagined possibilities

Yeah, it’s time to usher it out. / Issue 1,523

Oh, hi friends!

Are you dancing with the ghost of imagined possibilities?

When I’m stuck, I’m usually swinging wildly between future scenarios.

• If I work with this person, that means in seven months, I’ll have to…

• If I launch this podcast or pitch this idea, I’m closing the door on…

• If I say “no” to this OK thing, I’ll regret missing a good opportunity…

• If I commit to this trip or purchase or decision, all the reasons why it was wrong will become evident in approximately 48 hours…

The ghost of imagined possibilities.

It can be hard to move forward when there are lots of hypothetical, far-away conclusions (which are probably not at all accurate or true).

Does this ghost visit you, too?

It’s good to be careful. To make well-considered decisions. To strategize.

Measure twice, cut once, as they say.

But if you’re measuring and re-measuring and then researching the best tape measure on Wirecutter and then debating which one to purchase and then waiting for the sturdiest, best-reviewed tape measure to arrive and then re-measuring again, well…maybe it’s time to move onto the “cut” stage.

Maybe it’s time to say, Sorry ghost of imagined possibilities, you’ve gotta go.

Maybe it’s time to live in the real world.

Things will happen. Things you can’t control or expect. But you won’t be imagining — you’ll be living.

Tired of measuring?

Cut once.

Kill the ghost.

P.S. — My Launch the Plane sessions are back exclusively for the summer! Let’s get your big idea off the ground. Learn about these creative strategy calls here.

P.P.S. — I’m also starting something new: Open Skies Day — free 15-minute brainstorming slots held once a month. If you want a quick spark of clarity, sign up here. (Only a few spots left — summer is a powerful time to reset!)