How to Step Out of Constraints & Into Possibilities

​Earlier this week I had a very interesting meeting with a cultural development professional in New Orleans about jazz and French and heritage--topics I LOVE to talk about.

It was clear from the get-go that we had a surprising number of things in common, but what made the conversation exciting was something else that I realized within the first 10 minutes: both of us cultivate a habit of thinking in POSSIBILITIES rather than CONSTRAINTS.

We were purely brainstorming in this meeting, but thinking in possibilities brought a special energy and curiosity to the conversation. It expanded the realm of how we could potentially work together more than if we had the blinders of constraint narrowing our focus.

Do you make a habit of thinking in possibilities rather than constraints?

One way to practice this is with a game that comes from the improv comedy world--the "Yes, and..." Game.

When someone contributes an idea:

1. find something you like about the idea (even if you don't like the whole thing)
2. reiterate what you like ("Yes..." OR "What I like about that idea is...")
3. then expand the conversation by adding your own idea ("Yes, and..." OR "What I like about that idea is..., and...").

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I do this regularly (not perfectly, but often), and as a result, magic/coincidences/unexpected opportunities show up for me daily.

The clencher is that I also SHOW UP for the opportunities that come my way: I step out of my comfort zone. I connect. I get curious. I explore—even when it means going somewhere by myself.

If you want more of this in your life, practice focusing on possibilities and showing up for yourself for 90 days. Who knows what opportunities you could start creating in YOUR life!

With gratitude,
Ashley
P.S. Next week I'll be heading to Houston to teach ukulele to a bunch of 5-10 year olds for the first time. Wish me luck! :P
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HOUSTON FRIENDS: Save the date for this upcoming show Friday, Oct. 27, at 8pm at the Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar in The Woodlands, TX! Want reminders? Click here for the Facebook event.