"Es fortalecedor que te pidan mirar lo que es posible, no que te digan cómo hacerlo."

When someone invites you to explore possibilities rather than dictating the steps you need to take, it’s like giving you the keys to your own creativity and initiative. You’re not just following orders; you’re discovering your own path and the solutions that work best for you. This is the core idea—empowerment through exploration and autonomy.

Historically, this kind of thinking has roots in many educational and leadership philosophies. Think back to the way certain pioneering educators, like Maria Montessori, approached teaching. Rather than forcing a rigid curriculum on students, they provided an environment rich with opportunities for exploration. Kids learned by engaging with the materials and following their curiosity, which naturally led to deeper understanding and retention. It’s the difference between being handed a map with a fixed route and being given a compass to navigate your own journey.

Take, for example, a team at a tech startup facing a major project deadline. The team leader could either give a detailed set of instructions or pose an open-ended challenge: "How can we best achieve this goal?" By choosing the latter, the leader taps into the diverse skills and perspectives of the team. One member might suggest a new software tool, another might offer a streamlined process, and together, they construct a more innovative and effective plan than any one-size-fits-all approach could have provided. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and fostering creativity.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by shifting your mindset when you’re faced with a problem or project. Instead of seeking out a step-by-step guide or waiting for someone to tell you what to do, ask yourself, "What’s possible here? What are the different ways I could approach this?" This approach can be particularly liberating in personal growth and career development. Rather than following a traditional path, think about the skills and experiences that excite you, and pursue those. You’ll not only be more engaged, but you’ll also create a unique and meaningful trajectory for yourself.

Imagine you’re a parent trying to encourage your child to take up a new hobby. You could lay out a strict plan, dictating practice times and methods. Or, you could present a range of possibilities—different instruments, sports, or arts—and let your child explore what resonates with them. They might stumble upon a passion for painting you never anticipated. By asking them, "What do you want to create today?" rather than, "You need to practice the piano for an hour," you’re empowering them to find their own interests and motivations.

This approach works in professional settings too. Suppose you’re a manager who wants to boost team morale and productivity. Instead of enforcing rigid procedures, encourage your team to brainstorm and propose their own solutions to challenges. You’ll not only be fostering a collaborative environment but also showing that you trust their expertise and judgment.

In essence, by focusing on what’s possible rather than dictating how to achieve it, you open the door to innovation, personal investment, and a more dynamic way of navigating the world. It’s about trusting yourself—or others—to find the best path forward, making the journey as enriching as the destination.