“I’m always doing things I can’t do. That’s how I get to do them.”
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— Pablo Picasso
This powerful statement from Pablo Picasso captures the essence of growth, creativity, and innovation. It’s a philosophy that pushes us beyond our perceived limits. The quote suggests that true progress happens outside our comfort zone. Furthermore, it implies that the very act of attempting the impossible is what makes it possible. Picasso wasn’t just talking about art. He was describing a fundamental principle for achieving extraordinary things in any field. By embracing challenges that seem insurmountable, we unlock our potential to learn, adapt, and ultimately succeed.
This mindset is about transforming your relationship with the unknown. Instead of fearing what you cannot do, you can see it as an opportunity. It is a direct invitation to step into new territory. This perspective turns potential failure into a valuable learning experience. Consequently, every attempt, successful or not, becomes a step forward.
Unpacking Picasso’s Philosophy of Growth
The quote can be broken down into two powerful ideas. First, the declaration: “I’m always doing things I can’t do.” This is a conscious and continuous choice. It reflects a commitment to seeking out challenges that stretch one’s abilities. Many people naturally avoid tasks where they might fail. However, Picasso actively pursued them. He understood that staying within the bounds of existing skills leads to stagnation. True mastery and innovation require venturing into uncharted waters. This is the core of a proactive learning process.
Second, the outcome: “That’s how I get to do them.” This reveals the magic behind the method. The capability to perform a difficult task is not a prerequisite. Instead, the capability is forged in the attempt itself. Through practice, experimentation, and inevitable missteps, the impossible gradually becomes possible. This process builds not only new skills but also resilience and confidence. Each challenge overcome expands the boundary of what you can do next. It is a cycle of perpetual growth, where today’s challenge becomes tomorrow’s skill.
The Power of a Growth Mindset
Picasso’s philosophy aligns perfectly with modern psychological research on mindsets. Specifically, it embodies the “growth mindset,” a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. Individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They see challenges as opportunities to grow. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are innate and unchangeable. They tend to avoid challenges to prevent potential failure.
Picasso was the epitome of a growth mindset. His entire career was a testament to his unwillingness to be defined by a single style. He constantly reinvented his art, moving from the Blue Period to Rose Period, and then pioneering Cubism. Each transition was a leap into something he “couldn’t do” until he did it. Source
Applying the Picasso Principle in Your Life
Adopting this mindset can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. It encourages you to reframe challenges and embrace the process of learning. You can apply this wisdom by taking small, consistent steps outside your comfort zone. The goal is not to leap directly into overwhelming tasks, but to gently and persistently stretch your boundaries.
For example, in your career, you could volunteer for a project that requires a new skill. You might feel unqualified at first. However, the process of learning on the job will build your competence. In your personal life, this could mean learning a musical instrument, a new language, or a difficult recipe. The initial struggle is a sign that you are in the growth phase. Remember that the objective is the act of doing, not immediate perfection.
Practical Steps to Start Doing What You Can’t Do
Embracing this philosophy is an active practice. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Identify Your ‘Can’t Do’ List: Make a list of skills or tasks you’ve always wanted to tackle but felt were beyond your reach. Choose one that excites you.
- Break It Down: Large, intimidating goals are often just a series of smaller, manageable steps. Break your chosen challenge into the smallest possible actions. This makes the starting process less daunting.
- Focus on Effort, Not Outcome: Celebrate the act of trying. Shift your focus from achieving a perfect result to putting in consistent effort. This approach minimizes the fear of failure.
- Seek Feedback: Learning is faster when you have input. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or share your work. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement.
Ultimately, Picasso’s words are a call to action. They urge us to be brave, curious, and persistent. By intentionally doing things we can’t do, we create the very path to achieving them. It is a transformative journey from the impossible to the accomplished.