Happy Tolkien Reading Day! 
When faced with a challenge, the first question to ask is: Is this doable? Some tasks seem overwhelming, while others appear effortless. Understanding what makes something doable versus impossible can help in making better decisions, setting realistic goals, and avoiding unnecessary frustration.
Factors That Determine Whether Something Is Doable
- Resources Available
- Do you have the time, tools, knowledge, or support required?
- If not, can these resources be obtained with reasonable effort?
- Skills and Experience
- Does the task require abilities you already have, or will you need to learn something new?
- If learning is required, how long will it take, and is that timeframe realistic?
- Complexity vs. Simplicity
- Does the task have too many moving parts?
- Can it be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps?
- External Limitations
- Are there physical, financial, legal, or environmental barriers that make it impractical?
- Are these barriers permanent or temporary?
- Mental and Emotional Readiness
- Are you mentally prepared to handle the challenge?
- Does fear, doubt, or lack of motivation make it seem harder than it is?
How to Tell If Something Is Actually Possible
- Break It Down
If a goal seems impossible, divide it into steps. If even the smallest step is not doable, reassess the approach. - Compare with Similar Achievements
Has someone else done it under similar circumstances? If so, it is likely achievable with the right effort. - Test on a Small Scale
Before committing fully, try a smaller version of the task. This reveals hidden obstacles and builds confidence. - Identify Deal-Breakers
If no amount of effort will overcome a specific limitation, it may not be possible at this time. Knowing when to pivot is as important as persistence. - Separate Perceived Difficulty from Actual Difficulty
Some things seem hard because they are unfamiliar, not because they are impossible. Often, the first step is the hardest.
Conclusion
Anything is “doable” if the right conditions exist—resources, skills, and a clear path forward. However, not everything is immediately possible, and recognizing the difference can save time and energy. The key is to assess challenges logically, break them into manageable parts, and take action based on what is realistically achievable.
