🌱 How to Open Your Mind to More Possibilities
When You Stop Playing Small, Big Things Start to Happen
Let me ask you something.
Have you ever said:
“I’d love to… but that’s not realistic.”
“People like me don’t do that.”
“It’s too late for me to change now.”
I hear it in coaching all the time. And it breaks my heart, because most of the time… it’s not your job, your family, your age or your qualifications that are holding you back.
It’s your mindset.
The story you’ve decided is true.
The limits you’ve quietly learned to live within.
And that’s where the work begins.
Here’s how to start opening your mind — and life — to more possibilities, even if you don’t know where to begin.
1. Get Honest About What You Really Believe
You can’t shift what you’re not aware of.
Take 10 quiet minutes and ask yourself:
- What do I believe is possible for me?
- What do I think I’m too late or not enough for?
- Where do I self-sabotage the moment I start to dream?
Try this journaling prompt:
“If I had nothing holding me back, what would I try?”
Then write down what you believe is holding you back.
Notice how much of it is based on fear or old conditioning.
This is mindset work in action — bringing unconscious beliefs to the surface so you can start to challenge them.
2. Reframe “I Can’t” to “How Could I?”
A closed mind says “That’s not for me.”
An open mind says “What would it take for that to be possible?”
It’s a small language shift, but a powerful mental reframe. This is the essence of coaching — moving you out of stuck thinking into curious problem-solving.
Instead of:
- “I’m not qualified.” → Ask, “How could I gain experience or confidence in this area?”
- “I couldn’t leave my job.” → Ask, “What would need to change for that to be an option?”
- “I’m too old.” → Ask, “Is that really true — or just a story I’ve absorbed?
Practice: Next time you catch yourself shutting down an idea, pause. Ask “What would make this more possible?”
That one question alone can open doors you didn’t realise were there.
3. Train Your Brain to Think Bigger
Neuroscience shows we’re wired to keep ourselves safe — which means we often default to fear and limitation unless we consciously interrupt it.
Here’s how to build a brain that’s open to possibility:
- Expose yourself to different lives, careers and perspectives. Read biographies, listen to career-switching stories, follow creators or leaders who challenge your worldview.
- Practice visualising success. Spend 5 minutes a day imagining the version of you who already did the thing you’re scared to try. Get detailed: what do they wear, say, feel?
- Celebrate evidence of possibility. Keep a list on your phone of “Proof it’s possible” — stories, articles, quotes, even moments in your own life when you did do the thing you thought you couldn’t.
This creates what’s called cognitive flexibility — the ability to adapt your thinking and spot new solutions.
4. Try Before You Buy: Micro-Experiments
Opening your mind doesn’t mean quitting your job overnight or moving to Bali.
Start small. Try experiments.
- Curious about a new career? Shadow someone for a day, take a short online course, or interview someone in the role.
- Thinking of starting a business? Offer your skills on the side to a friend or community group for free.
- Interested in coaching? Book a taster session with a coach (👋 hello!) and reflect afterwards: how did it feel?
These low-risk, real-world actions can give you clarity, confidence, and momentum — without needing to commit to the full leap right away.
5. Get Out of Your Own Echo Chamber
Sometimes we don’t know what’s possible because we’re stuck in environments where everyone is playing it safe.
- Join communities (online or in-person) where people are dreaming big and doing brave things.
- Attend events or talks outside your industry or comfort zone.
- Ask for feedback from people who believe in you more than you believe in yourself.
One question I often ask clients:
“Who do you spend the most time with — and are they expanding your vision or shrinking it?”
Opening your mind is contagious. Surround yourself with people who remind you what’s possible.
6. Work With Someone Who Can See More For You
Sometimes you just need someone to challenge the limits you’ve placed on yourself — gently, but firmly.
That’s the beauty of coaching. It’s not about fluffy motivation. It’s about:
- Identifying your blind spots
- Stretching your comfort zone
- Rewiring beliefs
- Making a plan that feels brave and doable
Because you can do this — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Final Word: It Starts With a Thought
Every life-changing decision begins as a small, quiet idea. A maybe. A what if?
Open your mind just wide enough to let that in — and your whole world can begin to shift.
And if you’re ready to stop playing small and start thinking bigger about your life, career or confidence, I’d love to help you figure out your next brave move.
DM me, book a call or just start the conversation – find out more at www.skylinecoaching.co.uk You don’t have to be ready. You just have to be willing.
Useful Resources to Expand Your Thinking
Here’s a toolkit to help you dive deeper:
🎧 Podcasts
- The Mel Robbins Podcast – straight-talking mindset shifts that light a fire under you
- Squiggly Careers by Amazing If – full of tips for career changers and possibility thinkers
- On Purpose with Jay Shetty – inspiring conversations about life, purpose and growth
📚 Books
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – tackles the “upper limit problem” and fear of success
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers – classic mindset work for building courage
- Playing Big by Tara Mohr – especially great for women ready to claim their voice and space
🛠 Free Tools
- National Careers Service Skills Assessment – helpful for uncovering strengths and potential new paths
- FutureLearn or Coursera – try a free taster course in something that excites you
- Skyline Coaching Discovery Call – 15 minutes to explore what’s next with someone who gets it
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.
If you are interested in being coached, contact me to chat through by booking a free 15 minute consultation Skyline Coaching Electronic Diary
Skyline Coaching 