'Impossible' can be a matter of perspective.

In Kendo the opponent is approximately 2.5-2.6 metres (approx 8.5 feet) away when a bout begins with the sword tips touching.

To a beginner, that distance can feel like an impossible chasm to cross, and watching an experienced Kendo practitioner practically teleport in front of them to cover them in a flurry of sword hits is more than a little disorientating.

With some practice, they soon learn that trusting in a very simple movement and taking a small step forward enables them to land a hit on the opponent's wrist. That hit could be the winning point in a match.

Thinking that the distance is either too far away, just right, or too close is a matter of perspective, experience, and confidence in technique.

In principle, it’s similar to business development, and I don’t mean hitting customers with swords!

‘Impossible’ is often a matter of perspective. For example, looking at a company that has been trying to achieve double-digit (or any) growth and chose to spam people with generic emails for two years (zero strategy, technique, and lazy execution–I have literally witnessed this), then yes, I agree their goal is impossible because their approach was mindless and method beyond deplorable. Looking at the business through a different lens at how the business aligns with their market, then trusting in experienced sales and marketing leaders, applying proven strategies and techniques, and leveraging the best tools (and sacking the senior management’s beloved spam-tastic VP of Sales), the same goal is absolutely achievable. Surprisingly, that change in perspective can be very difficult for senior management, but that’s a post for another day.

I know that this is being oversimplified. Still, I hope that any business that is struggling with growth and can’t understand what on earth is going on, take a step back and ask for the perspective of someone who knows where to look for the gaps in your strategy, execution, resources, and toolset. They will soon help you focus on the right areas and help you achieve the goals that you have worked so hard to reach.