I believe “The New Normal” is our foolish attempt to go back to what was once normal.  But is normal what we are here to strive for?  Does anyone have a normal family?  Does anyone have a normal job?  A normal life?  Do we just want the economic conditions we had, or could we want something better?  We can’t go back to what was once normal.  Things have evolved and what was once normal is now old news.

According to results from Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) 2011 survey of its women business owner members, the economy continues to be front and center in the minds of women business owners.

Many women business owners are more optimistic about the future with 65% predicting an increase in revenue, compared with 52% in 2010 and 46% in 2009. (WIPP report)

Imagine the possibilities that can be turned into opportunities and finally into results with that level of optimism leading the way.  Here’s what I know for certain… the future is bright to those willing and able to see it from an optimistic standpoint.  Women owned business or not, if you don’t see greater things as you imagine your future, you won’t see greater things in your actual future either.  It’s as simple as that.

Key Bank: Unlock Possibilities

AT & T: Rethink Possible

Hyundai: New Thinking New Possibility

What is going on?  What is possibility and why do we want it?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, possibility is potential or prospective value.  Is that what we want… potential?  What about results?  Opportunities?  Action?  Goals attained?

I would assert that what we want is opportunity because opportunity is the gateway to results.

But guess what… possibility is the gateway to opportunity.

You want results.  You want increased sales.  You want customer loyalty.  You want a promotion.  You want a loving marriage.  You want a trusting relationship with your children.   You want success.   You want financial abundance.

Are you entitled to any of those things? No.

Can you earn all of them and more… YES.

It used to be called “paying your dues” and it’s what made our country a superpower.  You worked hard, came in early, stayed late, got training, went back to school, studied with a mentor or coach, asked for help, talked with your spouse, listened to your kids.  You put in the time, put in the effort, paid the price.

Many years ago, back in the days of my teenage youth, I was absolutely convinced I knew more than my parents.  If you have a teenager today, you should know that your darling child is tuning out your parental wisdom in favor of their own brilliance.

Now that I am an adult, and the parent of a seven-year old who thinks he is a teenager, I’m forced to use everything I’ve learned about effective communications and the power of persuasion to just get him to eat a veggie and brush his teeth.  I can only imagine what’s in store for me when he is an actual teenager.

April 1st seems like the most appropriate day to launch The Possibility Thinking Movement. Now, it may be that I am the only one reading the post on the very first day, but I’m clear about my vision and what’s driving me to create the movement. I’m optimistic that the movement can grow beyond my wildest dreams and I’m taking initiative to make it happen.

In my imagination, The Possibility Thinking Movement is a gathering of Possibility Thinkers across the globe. This community of generous people up to big things in their lives, openly shares and celebrates the people who are doing amazing things others thought impossible.