The Value of Having a Greater Sense of Possibility

Listening to Young Again on Radio 4 on my way to a client meeting this morning I heard the interviewee Gloria Steinem talk about the value of having a greater sense of possibility when she was a child and this got me thinking.

I see with many of my clients, more so if they are women, the concept of “playing small”. We all know it’s a catch-all term that encapsulates our self-limiting beliefs, the unseen ceilings, and the familiar comfort zones many of us retreat to, either consciously or subconsciously.

But what I see is a world that still sends mixed messages about our capabilities and our place in professional spaces. I wonder if a greater sense of possibility, offers a way to unlock potential, redefine our personal narratives, and ultimately craft a personal professional brand that radiates authenticity, where ambition is acceptable, and therefore our potential is limitless, at least a way where we do not put a limit on ourselves and we don’t have to accept a limit put on us by someone else.

I believe that having a strong sense of possibility means looking beyond current circumstances and any real or perceived limitations, to envisage a future where your ambitions are fully realised. This perspective can reshape both personal and professional identities.

I have seen this over and over again with clients. When you really see what is possible for yourself, it’s as though a new set of options, pathways, and dreams suddenly emerge and the implications are transformative: it boosts confidence, fuels creativity, and fosters resilience.

Women often “play small” due to ingrained societal expectations and internalised beliefs. Many of us have heard stories of successful women who downplay their achievements or deflect credit. We’ve watched women around us stay within the familiar rather than pursuing something grander because the unknown often comes with more criticism or, worse, failure. But what if we shifted that perspective and saw ourselves as worthy, capable, and equipped to handle greatness? Just imagine how much stronger and more resilient our personal brands could become.

A greater sense of possibility doesn’t just enhance our careers; it has a profound impact on our internal self-image. In branding and PR, the most magnetic personalities are those who believe in themselves, and their confidence resonates with audiences. When we believe in our capabilities, our communication is authentic, our actions align with our values, and the narratives we share inspire trust. A stronger sense of possibility allows women to connect with their purpose and share it without reserve.

Take for instance, women in leadership roles who refuse to downplay their accomplishments. Their confidence inspires others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. By embracing a sense of possibility, women contribute to a culture that values bold ambition, rewarding courage over complacency. This shift, as small as it might seem, reshapes personal and professional branding in meaningful ways.

Consider what could happen if women, collectively, stopped underestimating their potential. We would see women stepping into roles they once thought were unreachable. We’d witness a surge in female entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders across sectors, each crafting a narrative that says, “I am enough; I can achieve this.” Not only would this elevate individual brands, but it would also amplify the visibility and representation of women in fields where our voices are still emerging.

Personal branding and PR are about showing up as your most authentic self. A greater sense of possibility enables us to align our values, actions, and narratives with a bold vision of what we can achieve. It challenges us to move beyond the smallness we sometimes impose upon ourselves. By embracing this outlook, we can each become a beacon, not just for our own ambitions, but for others who need to see what is possible. We can build brands that are limitless, resilient, and unapologetically powerful – brands that don’t just exist in the world but reshape it.

In sum, a sense of possibility is not just a mindset; it’s a powerful tool for any woman seeking to make her mark. When we abandon the confines of “playing small,” we tap into a world of opportunities, transforming not only ourselves but also the lives of those we influence. Through this lens, we find that the possibilities are indeed boundless.