Win the Day Ch 9

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Questions and Answers

What was Walter Chrysler's original goal for the building he commissioned?

To create the tallest building in the world

To embody the wealth of the Roaring Twenties

To outdo the Eiffel Tower (correct)

To construct a monument for New York City

Which architectural feature gave the Chrysler Building an advantage in the competition for height?

Secrecy in construction methods

A glass facade

An art deco design

A 125-foot spire (correct)

What major event occurred the day after the Chrysler Building was crowned tallest in the world?

The beginning of the Great Depression (correct)

The onset of World War II

The launch of Chrysler's automobile line

The opening of the Empire State Building

What does the term 'overconfidence effect' refer to in relation to predicting the future?

The belief that one can accurately foresee outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as essential when planning for the future?

Brave prayer Signup and view all the answers

What symbolizes the concept of 'adjacent possible' in the context of faith and potential?

Imagining opportunities beyond current circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about the nature of God-honoring goals?

They are typically God-sized challenges Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did the author learn from his paragliding experience?

Crazy situations can lead to awesome experiences Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the text describe David's potential before he became king?

It was overlooked by his father and others Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of faith is directly linked to setting life goals according to the content?

Goals can clarify one’s faith journey Signup and view all the answers

What role did the elevator play in relation to the skyscraper, according to the concept discussed?

It enabled the construction of taller buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the 'adjacent possible' signify?

It showcases potential paths and opportunities that arise from current situations. Signup and view all the answers

How did the author's church plant failure contribute to the adjacent possible?

It opened doors to new opportunities they had not initially considered. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is described as the foundation of Christian faith?

The resurrection of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the relationship between Jesus and the concept of the 'adjacent possible'?

He is the beginning of all miracles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

This quiz delves into the concept of the adjacent possible, highlighting how existing possibilities can lead to new opportunities. Through various examples, including personal stories and significant constructions, discover how small inventions and shifts can culminate in major advancements. Explore the transformative nature of failure and personal journeys in this engaging quiz.