Exploring Adjacent Possibilities
Noticing and connecting the unlikely.
Audio narration by David Marlow
Because it is Saturday, and we went deep yesterday on Word of Purpose, here is a tiny thought spark to introduce a concept.
We will go more in-depth in a later post. The aim here is only to ignite curiosity.
Today I'll be exploring...Adjacent Possibilities. Steven Johnson refers to that as…
The potential (and serendipity) created when you notice and connect the unlikely.
The concept of the adjacent possible originated in theoretical biology and then migrated to innovation.
I apply it to personal growth because it encourages small, manageable steps in exploring hidden possibilities.
This kind of small, gradual inquiry allows you to learn more about yourself, your interests, and your values over time.
It also increases the chances of serendipitous discoveries and creative insights.
Think of the Adjacent Possible1 as all the options next to your current path.
Instead of the current path or way, ponder adjusting one thing about what you're doing or taking one step from where you're going.
Look for the connections, tangents, and unlikely coincidences.
That's the Adjacent Possible and that’s your Thought Spark for today.
You can learn more about Ikiquest+ here.
For Plus subscribers, you can access your Ikiquest+ resources here.
Need help creating your Ikiverse? Explore 1-on-1 coaching here.
The concept ‘Adjacent Possible’ was first introduced by theoretical biologist Stuart Kauffman and popularized by Steven Johnson. It refers to the set of all possible next steps that are one step away from the current state of things.
“The adjacent possible is a kind of shadow future, hovering on the edges of the present state of things, a map of all the ways in which the present can reinvent itself…[the adjacent possible] captures both the limits and the creative potential of change and innovation.” Steven Johnson
This reminded me of the book “One” by Richard Bach. The whole story is about alternative lives or “adjacent possibilities”. I read it years ago and it’s stayed with me. I haven’t thought about it in a while. Thanks for the reminder!