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Issue #173 | December 16th, 2025
Presented by Delve
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Hey there,
I’m writing this from an airport terminal, where I’ve just been asked to deplane for the second time — first for a mechanical issue, then for a pilot issue. The guy in front of me is losing it, swearing, complaining, and making sure everyone knows how upset he is.
I get it. It’s frustrating. But here’s the thing: no amount of complaining is going to get us in the air any faster. We’re stuck here, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
So, I decided to do the only thing I can control: I opened my laptop and started writing this email.
Let’s get unstuck.
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Story of the Week
When You Can’t Control the Situation, Control Your Response
It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to be upset. But at some point, you have to ask yourself: “What does this make possible?”
That one question has changed my life more than any other.
When I was laid off from my architecture job in 2008, I could have spent months blaming the economy, my boss, or bad luck. Instead, I asked, “What does this make possible?” That question led me to start my first online business, helping architects pass an exam — a decision that changed my life.
When COVID hit, and I was stuck at home, I could have complained about canceled events and lost opportunities. Instead, I asked, “What does this make possible?” That question pushed me to learn live streaming, which I did for 365 days straight. Those skills have since opened up new business opportunities I never would have imagined.
The Power of the Possibility Question
When you’re stuck — whether in an airport, in your business, or in life — you have a choice. You can focus on what you’ve lost, or you can look for what’s now possible.
- Stuck in traffic? Maybe it’s a chance to call a friend or listen to that audiobook you’ve been putting off.
- Lost a client? Maybe it’s the push you needed to pursue a new market or finally launch that product.
- Facing a setback? Maybe it’s the universe nudging you toward something better.
Your Challenge: Flip the Script
This week, when you hit a roadblock (and you will), pause and ask yourself:
“What does this make possible?”
Write it down. Take action on one new possibility, no matter how small.
You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond — and sometimes, that’s where the real breakthroughs happen.
Here’s to finding possibility in the unexpected, especially as we close out 2025 and open the door to every opportunity waiting for us in 2026. We’ve got this!
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Quote of the Week
"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."
—Charles R. Swindoll
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SPI News and Notes
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Want to get an email from me every time I release a new podcast episode? Click here, and I’ll make sure you never miss out! |
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Cheers,
Pat Flynn
Founder, SPI
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Dad Joke of the Week
Why does the Norwegian Navy put bar codes on its ships?
So when they go into port, they can just Scandinavian.
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