It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done by Kathryn and Ross Petras

There are moments in life when a goal seems so far out of reach that it feels laughably impossible—like trying to climb a mountain barefoot, or finish a novel in a month while juggling everything else in life. I’ve felt that gnawing sense of doubt myself, staring at dreams that feel too big, too scary, too overwhelming. Reading It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done by Kathryn and Ross Petras was like having a wise, patient guide sit beside me and whisper: “It’s not impossible. You just haven’t broken it down yet.”

The Petrases have a gift for taking the overwhelming, the daunting, the “this will never happen,” and transforming it into a step-by-step roadmap of hope, courage, and actionable wisdom. Here’s what I walked away with—10 lessons that not only inspire but also practically change how you tackle life’s impossible moments:

1. Impossible is a mindset, not a fact

The book opens with a powerful reminder: most of the boundaries we encounter exist in our own minds. What feels impossible is often a reflection of fear, self-doubt, or lack of perspective—not reality. When you realize that impossibility is often a perception rather than a truth, the world opens up with opportunities you hadn’t seen before.

2. Break big goals into small wins

Ambitious goals can crush motivation if approached all at once. The Petrases emphasize the power of micro-goals. Want to write a book? Start with a single paragraph a day. Dreaming of fitness? Begin with a ten-minute walk. These small victories accumulate, creating a momentum so strong that the mountain no longer feels insurmountable.

3. Action beats fear every time

Fear is seductive; it whispers, “Wait until you’re ready.” But readiness is an illusion. The Petrases show that taking even imperfect action dispels fear more effectively than endless planning. Moving forward—even clumsily—is always more productive than standing frozen on the sidelines of life.

4. Persistence is non-negotiable

Success is rarely instant. What separates those who achieve the impossible from those who abandon their dreams is not genius but endurance. The Petrases’ stories of real people who faced repeated setbacks remind us that persistence—showing up every day, no matter how hard it feels—is the true secret weapon against impossibility.

5. Celebrate progress, not just results

We tend to measure our lives by outcomes, but this mindset can crush motivation. The Petrases urge readers to honor every step forward, however small. Finishing a tough task, learning something new, or even facing a fear—all deserve recognition. Celebrating progress turns the journey into a source of joy, not just a series of deadlines.

6. Visualize the end result

Clarity fuels action. The book illustrates that vividly imagining your goal—seeing it, feeling it, walking through the endgame in your mind—creates a magnetic pull toward it. Visualization doesn’t replace effort; it aligns your energy, focus, and decisions with the reality you want to create.

7. Embrace failure as a teacher

Failure is inevitable, but how you respond to it makes all the difference. The Petrases teach that setbacks aren’t defeats—they’re feedback. Each failure is an opportunity to adjust, rethink, and approach the challenge with newfound wisdom. Learning to see failure as a guide rather than a threat is transformative.

8. Surround yourself with believers

The company you keep profoundly affects what you believe is possible. Supportive friends, mentors, or peers can sustain your courage when self-doubt creeps in. Conversely, negative influences can reinforce the illusion of impossibility. Choosing your environment carefully becomes a strategic step toward achieving your goals.

9. Discipline is freedom

Discipline is not a restriction; it’s the invisible scaffolding that allows you to do the extraordinary. By building consistent habits—writing daily, exercising regularly, planning intentionally—you create a reliable structure that gives your dreams space to flourish. Freedom, paradoxically, comes from consistency.

10. Start before you’re ready

Perhaps the simplest yet most profound lesson is this: perfection is the enemy of progress. Waiting until everything aligns perfectly guarantees stagnation. Courage is starting despite uncertainty, embracing vulnerability, and learning in real time. Action, no matter how imperfect, is the bridge from “impossible” to “done.”

Reading It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done feels like being handed a lantern in a dark cave—you can finally see the path forward. The impossible doesn’t vanish overnight, but step by step, decision by decision, it transforms from a daunting barrier into a challenge you are fully equipped to meet. The Petrases remind us that nothing extraordinary happens without action, persistence, and belief, and that what seems impossible today can become tomorrow’s achievement.

Book/Audible: https://amzn.to/4g5AKE8