Win the Day Ch 9

The Adjacent Possible

• The adjacent possible is the concept of a new possibility arising from an existing one.
• It's like the "elevator" between what is and what could be.
• It allows for bigger dreams and aspirations, like the Burj Khalifa.
• The adjacent possible can be as small as an invention (like the elevator) which then opens up possibilities for bigger creations (like skyscrapers).
• The microchip created scientific calculators, computers, and smartphones, highlighting how smaller steps can lead to significant advancements.
• A failed church plant in Chicago may have led to a move to Washington, D.C., and a new church, showcasing failure as opening doors to new possibilities.
• Personal example: author's family moving to a new church eventually led to the founding of a new church and family.

The Adjacent Possible - Personal Stories & Examples

• The Chrysler Building: Built by Walter Chrysler, this building was the tallest for a short time until the Empire State Building surpassed it. Its short reign as the tallest reflects the unpredictable nature of the future and the limits of foresight.
• The Race for the Sky: Several New York buildings were in a race to be the tallest, highlighting human ambition and competitiveness.
• The Great Crash of 1929: The Great Crash occurred the day after the Chrysler Building became the world's tallest, demonstrating how unpredictable events can dramatically shift a situation.
• Paragliding: The author and his son went paragliding over the Sacred Valley in Peru and faced fears of heights and the lack of experience of an inexperienced guide. It became an example that overcoming fears is often accompanied by rewarding experiences.

The Adjacent Possible - Key Metaphors

• The adjacent possible as an elevator (connecting what currently exists with potential possibilities).
• The adjacent possible as an alphabet to writing (smaller steps lead to bigger actions).
• The adjacent possible as an acorn to an oak tree (small beginnings can result in large outcomes).
• Adjacent possible as a deep dish pizza to pizza (small change leading to a new variation on a prior action).

The Adjacent Possible - Broader Implications for Individuals & Faith

• Failure can be a catalyst for new possibilities.
• The adjacent possible is not always planned, sometimes it happens organically.
• The empty tomb (in Christianity) as the ultimate adjacent possible.
• God's plan and purpose may result in taking "dangerous" steps.
• It is important to listen to God's guidance and plan when considering life decisions.

The Adjacent Possible: Examples of the Adjacent Possible in Action

• Pixar's transition from animation software to producing major films (Toy Story, Finding Nemo...).
• The personal anecdote about the speaker transferring to a college that was not academically or financially rational, ultimately proving to be the right decision.
• The invention of the safety elevator.
• Jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge (a dangerous act), ultimately becoming a Broadway play.

The Adjacent Possible and Faith

• Jesus as the ultimate adjacent possible (opening up new possibilities through miracles).
• Miracles (turning water to wine, feeding thousands with a small meal) in reference to adjacent possibilities.
• Faith involves taking the first step without knowing the future or full consequences.
• Considering life goals/motives to ensure they align with God.

The Adjacent Possible - Cautionary Tales

• The author's cautionary tale of the Chrysler building becoming the tallest building right before the Great Depression, highlights human ambition, failure, and the unpredictable nature of the future.
• The risks inherent in pursuing big dreams need to be weighed against unforeseen circumstances.

The Adjacent Possible - Conclusion

• Ultimately, one is one decision away from a different possible life, with many possibilities coming from the adjacent possible.