We all have dreams. Some are big and bold, others quiet but persistent. But along with those dreams often come setbacks, disappointments, and doubts. In his powerful speech, Les Brown challenges us to rise above these obstacles by embracing one simple but transformative idea: “It’s possible.”
If you’re ready to conquer your fears and achieve your dreams, keep reading—this could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.
The Power of Belief: It’s Possible
Les Brown’s message begins with a simple but powerful statement:
“It’s possible.”
He explains that those two words can change your belief system and open the door to unlimited potential. When you look at your dreams and say, “It’s possible,” you begin to change how you see yourself and what you’re capable of achieving.
Your actions are a reflection of what you believe is possible for your life. If you believe in limitations, you will live a limited life. But if you believe in possibilities, you will push beyond boundaries and achieve greatness.
Action Step: Say it every day. Look at your dreams and say out loud, “It’s possible.” Let those words sink in and transform your mindset.
Winners, Losers, and Those Who Haven’t Discovered How to Win
According to Les Brown, there are three types of people:
- Winners – Those who take action and achieve their goals.
- Losers – Those who give up and accept defeat.
- People who haven’t discovered how to win – Those who need guidance, encouragement, and a new strategy.
If you’re feeling stuck, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means you haven’t found the right approach yet. All you need is coaching, support, and a different plan of action.
“All they need is some insight or different strategy or plan of action to make some adjustments that will open up the key to a whole new future.” — Les Brown
Action Step: Seek guidance and make adjustments. If something isn’t working, don’t give up. Seek help, learn new strategies, and keep moving forward.
Operate from Imagination, Not Memory
Les Brown teaches that most people operate out of their personal history—their past failures, experiences, and limitations. But he challenges us to operate from a larger vision of ourselves and to act out of imagination, not memory.
“Operate out of your imagination, not your memory.” — Les Brown
Your past does not define your future. You are not limited by what you’ve been through. Your potential is limitless, and your imagination is the gateway to achieving your dreams.
Action Step: Visualize your future. Spend time each day imagining yourself achieving your dreams. See it in vivid detail and believe it’s possible.
Ignore the Inner Critic
Whenever you pursue a dream, that inner voice of doubt will try to hold you back. It will remind you of past failures and tell you that you’re not good enough. But Les Brown teaches us to ignore that inner conversation and keep moving forward.
“Ignore that inner conversation. Don’t listen to it.” — Les Brown
Your inner critic is just a reflection of your past experiences. It’s not the truth. You are capable of more than you realize, but you have to silence the negative voices in your head.
Action Step: Challenge negative thoughts. Whenever doubt creeps in, challenge it with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that “It’s possible” and keep moving forward.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality
Les Brown emphasizes that your beliefs shape your actions and your reality. If you believe you’re not worthy of success, you will subconsciously sabotage your efforts. But if you believe in your potential, you will act with confidence and courage.
“Whatever you’ve done up to this point is a reproduction of what you believe subconsciously that you deserve and what’s possible for your life.” — Les Brown
Your current circumstances are a reflection of your past beliefs. But if you change your beliefs today, you can change your future. It all starts with what you believe is possible.
Action Step: Reprogram your beliefs. Identify the limiting beliefs holding you back and replace them with empowering beliefs. Start with “It’s possible” and build from there.
Examples of Possibility: The Four-Minute Mile
Before April 1954, it was believed that no human could run a mile in under four minutes. People tried and failed, and the world accepted it as an unbreakable barrier. But Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier, proving that it was possible.
“Since that time, over 20,000 people have done it, including high school kids.” — Les Brown
What changed? Belief. Once people saw that it was possible, they stopped doubting and started achieving. The barrier was never physical—it was mental.
Action Step: Seek examples of possibility. Find people who have achieved what you want to achieve. Let their success inspire you and prove that it’s possible for you too.
Eyesight vs. Mindsight
Les Brown explains the difference between eyesight and mindsight.
- Eyesight is judging based on appearances and circumstances.
- Mindsight is seeing possibilities beyond current limitations.
Two people can face the same situation—one gives up because they see obstacles, while the other keeps going because they see opportunities. Your mindset shapes your reality.
“Eyesight is judging on what you see, but mindsight is how you interpret what you see.” — Les Brown
Action Step: Develop mindsight. Train yourself to see possibilities, not limitations. Focus on solutions, not problems. Choose optimism and resilience.
Keep Going No Matter What
Les Brown shares a story of two men who were laid off from their jobs. One gave up, became bitter, and stopped trying. The other kept looking for work, volunteering his time, and refusing to give up. Eventually, his persistence paid off, and he got a great job.
The difference between the two men was not talent or luck—it was mindset and perseverance. The first man focused on his limitations. The second man focused on possibilities.
“It’s possible that somebody somewhere will give me a job.” — Les Brown
Action Step: Refuse to quit. No matter how many times you face rejection or failure, keep going. Believe in possibilities and keep taking action.
Final Thoughts: Live Your Dreams, Not Your Fears
Les Brown’s powerful words remind us that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. You have the potential to achieve greatness, but it starts with self-belief, action, and perseverance.
The choice is yours:
- Live your fears or live your dreams.
- Make excuses or make progress.
- Stay comfortable or grow beyond your limits.
Choose possibility. Choose greatness. Choose to live your dreams.
It’s possible.