In a hurry? TL;DR
- 1Address immediate necessities first to build momentum and overcome overwhelm.
- 2Master manageable tasks before tackling more difficult, but achievable, goals.
- 3Focus on sequential actions, not the daunting end goal, to reduce anxiety.
- 4Greatness emerges from the logical progression of completing smaller, feasible steps.
- 5The 'impossible' is often a collection of possibilities sequenced correctly.
- 6Persistence in doing necessary work eventually leads to exceptional achievements.
Why It Matters
This quote offers a surprisingly simple, step-by-step method for achieving daunting goals by focusing on achievable tasks.
Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. This quote provides a psychological blueprint for overcoming overwhelm by shifting focus from the daunting end goal to the immediate, manageable task.
The Core Philosophy
The quote argues that greatness is not achieved through a single leap of faith, but through a logical progression of competence. By mastering the mundane and the feasible, you build the momentum required to tackle what previously seemed unreachable.
- Step one: Handle the basic requirements of survival or productivity.
- Step two: Expand into the realm of things that are difficult but within reach.
- Step three: Reach a state of flow and momentum where previously invisible solutions appear.
Why It Matters
This perspective reframes success as a byproduct of momentum rather than a result of sheer willpower. It suggests that the impossible is merely a collection of possibilities we haven't sequenced correctly yet.
What the Quote Means
At its heart, this is a lesson in cognitive load management. When we look at a finished masterpiece or a massive business empire, the sheer scale is paralysing. Francis of Assisi suggests that the impossible is an emergent property.
It does not exist as a standalone task. Instead, it appears at the end of a chain of smaller, logical actions. By focusing only on the necessary, you bypass the anxiety that usually kills ambitious projects in their infancy.
About the Author
St. Francis of Assisi was a 13-hourth-century Italian friar who abandoned a life of wealth for one of poverty and devotion. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Historical Context
In the early 1200s, Francis reportedly heard a divine command to repair a ruined church in San Damiano. He didn't start with a budget or a workforce; he literally picked up stones. This act of doing the necessary—physical manual labour—eventually led to the creation of an order that changed the social fabric of Europe.
Unlike other religious leaders who began with complex theology, Francis began with physical service, embodying the idea that spiritual heights are reached through earthly chores.
Practical Applications
- Creative Projects: Stop worrying about the final edit and start by formatting your document or outlining the first chapter.
- Career Pivots: Do not try to become an expert overnight. Start by learning the basic software or terminology required for the entry-level role.
- Health Goals: Focus on drinking enough water and walking for ten minutes before attempting a marathon training plan.
Similar Perspectives
- Lao Tzu: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- James Clear: The concept of Atomic Habits mirrors this by focusing on 1 percent improvements that compound into radical change.
- The Wall: In contrast, some philosophies suggest starting with the hardest task first, though Francis’s method is arguably better for sustained morale.
How does this relate to the concept of flow?
Flow states often occur once the necessary mechanics of a task become automatic. By moving from the necessary to the possible, you clear the cognitive path for deep, effortless work.
Is this quote actually by St. Francis?
While widely attributed to him, many scholars note it does not appear in his earliest hagiographies. However, it perfectly encapsulates the Franciscan way of life: simple, incremental, and transformative.
Can you apply this to business?
Modern agile development uses a similar logic. They build a Minimum Viable Product (necessary), iterate on features (possible), and eventually disrupt industries (impossible).
Key Takeaways
- Mastery is a sequence: You cannot skip the necessary to reach the impossible.
- Momentum over motivation: Focus on the next logical task to avoid paralysis.
- Emergent success: The impossible is achieved through the accumulation of small wins.
Read more about the Pareto Principle, the Psychology of Procrastination, and the History of Stoicism.
Historical Context
This profound quote is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, and mystic who lived from 1181/1182 to 1226. His teachings emphasised humility, service, and a deep connection with nature and God. While the exact context of this specific quote isn't definitively recorded as one of his direct biblical or sermon pronouncements, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of his pragmatic yet deeply spiritual approach to life and faith. It reflects a philosophy of incremental progress and steadfast dedication.
Meaning & Interpretation
The quote suggests that monumental achievements (the 'impossible') are not reached through a single, extraordinary leap, but rather through a series of logical, escalating steps. One should begin by addressing fundamental obligations or immediate needs ('what's necessary'). Once those are handled, attention can shift to tasks that are challenging but attainable ('what's possible'). This disciplined, step-by-step approach builds momentum, skill, and confidence, eventually leading to a point where previously unimaginable objectives become achievable. It's about breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable parts.
When to Use This Quote
This quote is highly relevant when facing a daunting project or an ambitious personal goal that feels overwhelming at its outset. It's excellent for motivating individuals or teams who are struggling with procrastination due to the sheer scale of a task. Use it to encourage a focus on small, actionable steps rather than dwelling on the distant, seemingly impossible finish line. It's also applicable in leadership settings to foster a culture of incremental progress and celebrates small victories towards larger strategic objectives, promoting resilience and a growth mindset.
