Here’s a powerful true story that illustrates the power of belief and perseverance.
George Danzig was a graduate student in mathematics during a tough job market. His professor, head of the mathematics department, announced that the student with the highest grade on the final exam would be offered a coveted research assistant position. Naturally, every student, including George, aimed for this opportunity. He studied tirelessly for the final, staying up so late that he overslept and arrived late to the test.
During the exam, George breezed through the eight questions on the paper. Then, he noticed two additional problems written on the blackboard. Assuming these were part of the test, he copied them down and started working on them. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t solve these problems. Doubt crept in as he thought, “Someone in this room will solve these. Why can’t I?”
The professor allowed the students more time to complete the test at home, with a deadline to return it by Friday. George took the test home and spent every waking moment on these two problems. Day after day, he worked tirelessly. By Thursday morning, he had finally solved one problem. Late into Thursday night, he managed to solve the second one.
On Friday, George handed in his test and went home, unsure of what would happen next. Early Sunday morning, he was awoken by a knock at his door. It was his professor. “George,” the professor exclaimed, “you’ve made mathematical history!” Confused, George listened as the professor explained: “Those eight questions were the actual test. The two problems on the board? They were unsolved mathematical problems that even Einstein couldn’t crack.”
Had George known these problems were considered “impossible,” he might have approached them differently. But because he believed they were solvable, he tapped into a part of himself that made the impossible possible.
The same potential lies within each of us. Whatever challenges you’re facing, remember that you are connected to infinite possibilities. Solutions exist for every problem. The key is to stay open to the possibility that you can overcome any obstacle in your path.
Believing in the impossible is often the first step toward making it a reality.
