Photo by Faris Mohammed on Unsplash
If life were ‘the dream’—our perfect, most wonderful life—what would it actually look like? Not just the broad strokes, but the details. It’s a question that can feel both exciting and daunting.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a valued colleague Tracey Lee, and we played with this idea. Instead of asking ourselves what could be possible—a question that sometimes keeps the dream safely at arm’s length—we explored stepping into the vision itself.
What might our diary look like? How would we spend our time, not just on weekends or holidays, but on a regular Monday morning? How would we greet the day? What would going to work feel like, or coming home? And if we could be a fly on the wall, what would we observe about the way we carry ourselves, the conversations we have, the energy we bring?
Imagining what could be possible is difficult, especially when the concept of ‘possibility’ can feel abstract. And those ‘coulds’ can become sneaky obstacles — always just out of reach.
Lately, I’ve been sitting with the idea of stepping into who I didn’t even know I could become. It’s a thought that stirs both curiosity and discomfort. Do I play it safe? And if so, how? (A little nod to Tim Minchin here.) Playing it safe doesn’t always look like avoiding risk — sometimes it’s simply choosing what feels familiar, even when something greater might be within reach.
Last week, I attended a session led by Dr Sebastian Fox on critical reflexivity (a mouthful, but incredibly useful!). He posed two questions that stuck with me:
What might we take for granted for this to have happened?
Or, what might I take for granted for this to not yet happen?
These questions invite us to notice the invisible structures that shape our choices. What assumptions are we holding onto? What stories do we tell ourselves about what’s possible, reasonable, or deserved?
And then there’s Adam Goodman-Smith’s beautiful reflection:
How much do I want it?
What if I did nothing?
That second question is particularly powerful. Sometimes doing nothing is the safer option. Other times, it’s a conscious pause — a moment of recalibration before we step forward.
Of course, we can explore these questions on our own, but working with a coach can be incredibly useful. A coach can help uncover patterns we might not see ourselves, challenge our assumptions, and offer fresh perspectives. Everyone’s experience will be different, and what a coach can help with will vary depending on where you are and what you’re working towards. If you’re unsure, why not try it out? Many coaches offer a free chemistry session — it’s a great way to explore how coaching feels and find someone who’s the right fit for you. Coaching isn’t the only option, but it can be a powerful and supportive one.
So I’m curious — what if we stopped asking what could be possible, and instead started stepping into it? What might your dream day look like? And what small choice could bring you closer to it today?
Get in touch if you would like to connect.
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 