The Possible Implausible

“Inconceivable!” — Vizzini, The Princess Bride

One of the core principles of Disney animation is the idea of the plausible impossible. By animating characters experiencing things we know are impossible, but making them seem believable, artists create delightfully humorous moments.

A classic example is Mickey Mouse stretching twice his height as an elevator begins its ascent, then squishing to half his size when it suddenly stops. This “squash and stretch” effect takes what we know is impossible and makes it feel plausible.

But in real life, Walt Disney did something even more remarkable. He reversed it.

Famous for saying, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” he repeatedly took what others dismissed as implausible, and made it real.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first feature-length animated film, was called “Disney’s Folly” and predicted to bankrupt his studio.

And Disneyland was dismissed as an unrealistic dream.

And yet… both became cultural landmarks.

So this week, I’d like to turn that animation principle inside out.

Not the plausible impossible.

But the implausible possible.

History is filled with moments where the boundary of “possible” quietly expanded.

Roger Bannister was told running a mile in under four minutes could be dangerous, even fatal. And yet he did it. And once he did, others followed.

What changed? Not the human body, but the belief about what was possible.

Which raises a powerful question:

What have you already decided is not even worth attempting?

Not because you tested it. Not because you failed repeatedly. But because somewhere along the way, it was labeled: Impossible.

Unrealistic. Not for me.

As Phil Stutz teaches in his book, The Tools, this is where we can practice a Reversal of Desire.

Instead of avoiding what feels impossible…

we begin to move toward it. Not recklessly, nor all at once, but with curiosity and intention.

Not every attempt will succeed. However, W”with the quiet willingness to test the edges of what we think is true, something far more important begins to happen:

The category of “impossible” starts to shrink.

And what once felt out of reach begins to feel… approachable.

Then doable. Then, eventually, part of your life.

This week, instead of asking, “Is this possible?” ask:

• What have I placed in my “don’t even try” category?

• What would a small first step toward it look like?

• What if this isn’t impossible… just unfamiliar?

• What belief would I need to borrow, just for today, to move forward?

Pick one. Just one. And take a step toward it.

The line between impossible and possible is rarely fixed. More often, it’s a boundary waiting for someone willing to test it.

And who knows?

With enough curiosity, persistence, and belief… today’s inconceivable might just become ‘what’s for breakfast’.

(And when it does… just make sure its a nourishing, protein-rich breakfast with a little gratitude and self-efficacy on the side 😉)

— Ariel

Eos Coaching

⸻

About Eos Coaching

Eos Coaching is rooted in the practice of making the most of today. Through functional wellness, performance coaching, and reflective practice, I work with individuals who want to build strength, clarity, and consistency without burnout.

This Substack is an extension of that work. A place for field notes, reflections, and practical tools that support steady progress and self-trust.

You can learn more about my coaching work or subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter, Reflections, at eoscoaching.us.