Make the Impossible Possible: One Man's Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger and Achieve the Extraordinary

by Bill Strickland, Vince Rause

“ Success is the point where your most authentic talents, passion, values, and experiences intersect with the chance to contribute to some greater good.”
--Bill Strickland

According to MacArthur Fellowship “genius” award winner Bill Strickland, a successful life is not something you simply pursue, it is something that you create, moment by moment. It is a realization Strickland first came to when, as a poor kid growing up in a rough neighborhood of Pittsburgh, he encountered a high school ceramics teacher who took him under his wing and went on to transform his life.

Over the past thirty years, Bill Strickland has been transforming the lives of thousands of people through the creation of Manchester Bidwell, a jobs training center and community arts program. Working with corporations, community leaders, and schools, he and his staff strive to give disadvantaged kids and adults the opportunities and tools they need to envision and built a better, brighter future.

Strickland believes that every one of us has the potential for remarkable achievement. Every one of us can accomplish the impossible in our lives if given the right inspiration and motivation to do so. We all make ourselves “poor” in one way or another when we accept that we are not smart enough, experienced enough, or talented enough to accomplish something. Bill Strickland works with the least advantaged among us, and if he can help them achieve the impossible in their lives, think what each of us can do.

Among Bill Strickland’s

People are born into this world as assets, not liabilities. It’s all in the way we treat people (and ourselves) that determines a person’s outcome

The sand in the hourglass flows only one way. Stop going through the motions of living--savor each and every day. Life is here and now, not something waiting for you in the future.

You don’t have to travel far to change the life you’re living. Bill grew up in the Pittsburgh ghetto, four blocks from where he came to build one of the foremost job training centers in the world. He now speaks before CEOs and political leaders, church congregations and civic leaders. You only need to change your thinking to remake your world.

Through lessons from his own life experiences, and those of countless others who have overcome their circumstances and turned their lives around, Make the Impossible Possible shows how all of us can build on our passions and strengths, dream bigger and set the bar higher, achieve meaningful success and help mentor and inspire the lives of others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Education, Business, Leadership, Self Help, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Strickland grew up in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh and graduated from Oliver High School. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh where as an undergraduate he founded the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild as an after-school program to teach children pottery skill in his old neighborhood. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in American history and foreign relations in 1970. Following graduation he continued to build the Manchester Guild into an innovative nonprofit agency that uses the arts to inspire and mentor inner-city teenagers. In 1972 he took over the Bidwell Training Center that trains displaced adults for jobs. He has served on the boards of the National Endowment for the Arts, Mellon Financial Corporation, and the University of Pittsburgh. For his work, Strickland has won various awards including a MacArthur Fellowship "genius" award in 1996. He has been honored by the White House, and received the Goi Peace Award in 2011.

From Wikipedia

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make the Impossible Possible is at its best when it tells the story of author Bill Strickland, his Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its development, and the people affected by the project. Following the arc of his life from childhood to CEO is interesting, and its genuinely exciting to read about the connections he makes with companies who come to invest in Machester Bidwell. Every story of a child who escapes the ghetto through art or adult who turns their life around through a Bidwell training program is inspirational and feel-good. I would have liked more of those Chicken Soup for the Soul moments.

The book is weakest in its advice, although this likely varies depending on the reader. For me, Strickland's "find your passion and do it," "make who you are your work" admonitions weren't surprising or helpful. Also, the notion that money won't make you happy, fulfilled, or successful--if you haven't chosen to be a librarian, teacher, social worker, etc., perhaps this will be news to you.

Strickland's documented actions advise readers much better than his direct advice. You see him have an idea and almost on impulse start shopping it around to bureaucrats and businessmen. There's no fear of failure, no doubt about success, as he seeks funding for a multimillion dollar complex to house a "poverty center" previously stationed in a junkie-infested condemned home. And he does it.

The unspoken message is that we have a responsibility to make a better world, and if you should have an idea to do so, don't sit on it, don't set up hurdles, don't doubt. Just go do it.

Note: If you find yourself unable to read through the 20+ pages describing life as a sort of jazz, skim them. Once you get through it, you'll find the book to be as enjoyable as it was previous to the jazz (p)age.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspring account of one man's desire to create places of inspiration in inner city Pittsburgh and combining those with arts, music, and job training centers to give people who are "poor" a passion in their lives and to give them skills and a meaning for their lives to get them out of "poverty."

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly positive book. I recommend you read it in small doses. Bill Strickland has instigated positive change in so many American environments that are seen by many as hopeless societies. He has brought hope to so many people who have undervalued their own belief to be contributing citizens into a better world. It is hard to read this and not be lifted to the "anything is possible for a better world," that Bill Stricland sees and lives.

[Hadiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very thought provoking and inspirational. It seemed repetitive at times, but overall invoked feelings of hope and limitless possibility. It helped me gain a deeper understanding of the importance of building relationships and partnerships to see your dream through. If I am ever in Pittsburgh, I would love to see the Manchester facility.

[Chris Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a guy that finds ways to develop himself and others around him by finding different ways to overcome obstacles. If you are a dreamer or visionary, or think you are, then this is a good book for you. Bill highlights the power of making your visions come true, but also shows some of the obstacles that occurred along the way to realizing several of his visions. There are some interesting points that he makes in this book, as well as some good examples for people wanting to improve the lives of others in their communities.

While I found this book to be a quick read, and liked several of the stories about his contributions to improving the lives of people in an at-risk community, I was wanting a little more depth on some of the "how" he did things. He mentions getting political alignment and support on several ventures, and it is clear that he leverages his network of people very well to accomplish his goals. But I would really have liked a little more detail on this as I think this is an area where many people could use some help, especially those that may not be as outgoing as Bill seems to be.

Overall, this is a good, quick read that I would recommend to others, especially those that want to help improve the lives of others, or improve their communities. Bill's leverage of the arts to improve people's lives was really interesting, and I would not have considered such an approach to have as big an impact on the lives of others.

[sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book may have good
ideas ~ just one of those books where I had to keep reading a single page over and over again. the text just would not stick.

it is a "community reads" project for my town; I anxiously await others opinions and possibly enlightenment.

my review is based on my perceived readability, not on any content.

[Georgann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed from a neighbor and read with interest. This man is a local legend in public service. It is not the best written memoir but it does tell a story that reinforces belief in human positivity at a time when negative stories of fellow Americans are all way too prevalent.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was inspirational, but it felt slow and repetitive. After reading the book, I got to see the author in person and I felt his talk was more engaging and less repetitive than the book.

[Yoshimasa Ono · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in Japanese.

Learned the importance of art and a few more things.

The book should be simpler and thinner.

[La-Shanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindset: "every human being, despite the circumstances of his or her birth, is born full of potential, and the way to unlock that potential is to place individuals in a nurturing environment and expose them to the kind of stimulating and empowering creative experiences that feed the human spirit." - Bill Strickland

The argument nature versus nurture comes to mind when examining the academic success of students. Some students may possess certain traits in regards no matter what circumstances happen, they will overcome. If a nurturing environment is the determinant of success for children and adults, naturally one may struggle to succeed on their own but can achieve. Strickland offer the idea that individuals will be at their best if nurtured. With any blueprint, when building the product (whole child) it requires a strong foundation, the village support and social emotional intervention when needed. I enjoyed reading the book but feel that nothing is guaranteed.

[Jack Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very uplifting and inspiring story of how Bill Strickland went about creating a ground breaking jobs training centre and community arts programme in an impoverished area of Pittsburgh. The messages behind creating something beautiful for children and young adults who don’t see beautiful in their own lives is something all public sector investment should be serious about.

The only pitfall, for me, is that while Strickland talks about the importance of being authentic to your vision and purpose, he doesn’t hide behind how he had to adapt and change how he himself presented in order to convince the ‘powers that be’ that he represented something worth investing in.

[Sivhor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In term of business acting, his concept always inspired young entrepreneurs who has an ambition to achieve their dream by attracting with the concept that it should be best match in reality which the strong wisdom of passion by don’t waste precious time chasing someone else’s definition of success, live ur life with purpose now. Look for the things that inspire you, trouble you, make you feel more alive, and trust in those things to shape you future. They will give you all your heart could ever wish for ;)

[Sarah Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I set out to read this book as I became more familiar with the educational model and the mission of NCAT when I was nominated to the Board of an organization that is building a CAT in Pierce County, Washington. Less than a year later, I am soon to be on my way to the center in Israel to meet the other board members and Bill Strickland himself. Not only is this story inspirational and well-written, it's humble, honest, and enduring. I recommend to those seeking examples of where meaning can come from in life.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

If you are looking for purpose and passion on how to live your life this book speaks volumes.
This is not easy as sacrifices and setbacks backs occur but on the other side of that is your experience and expression as Bill never quit nor should you.
Richard Morden
Life Transformation Coach

[Amed Maximo Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing life story, path charted, things accomplished against odds. Also illustrates the grand importance of friends that come along when you are doing the best you can with what you've got but it's not enough in and of itself. Bill is a champion of goodwill, faith, communal love, and entrepreneurship.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts out strong as bill can tell a good story (read 72 pages the first night) and his story was a great read.
I got tired of his love affair with his high school art teacher and honestly his story was more powerful than his ability to put it together and inspire with advice. Book bounced around quite a bit as well without much of a linear storyline.

[Yvonne English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met Bill Strickland and have heard him speak a few times. I always cry when he tells his story. (Check out his Ted Talk for a glimpse.) His story is inspirational and this book is well worth the read.

[Maria Rupert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook with the author narrating, and found it to be inspirational and captivating. It’s amazing what one disadvantaged person can do with a dream, imagination and ambition. It’s an easy book to digest, and very worthwhile.

[peterson pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring

It was a real treat to read this book. Because, the author did share his story in a very candid way. So well, that I could not help myself but to feel inspired to become a better version of myself.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspriring, great read

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and motivational.

[Scooter Athans · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a helpful book on how he started his non profit which helps at risk kids through art. He’s an amazing guy but the read is cumbersome.

[Jackie Wayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about one man navigating through his younger years and emerging as someone who will make a difference for a multitude of people.

[Rita Toscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO uplifting! I think I read this in a day. Great story of the power of the human spirit. I found myself smiling through the whole thing.

[Adrian Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story from a local Pittsburgh hero.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.bill-strickland.org/ - I received a recommendation for this book a couple years ago after someone read my review of Three Cups of Tea. For some reason, I found the title and the cover of this book off-putting. It made me assume that it would be a self-help book full of instructions on how to lead a better more productive life. But, eventually I brought myself around to it, and I am so glad that I did. Bill Strickland grew up in a lower-class neighborhood outside of Pittsburgh. His childhood had all the markings of the disadvantaged - an often absent and perhaps alcoholic father, little money, and negative influences around each corner. Strickland did, however, have a strong and determined mother, and her influence on her son is obvious throughout this book. In high school, Strickland meets an art teacher who teaches him how to throw clay pots - an artisitic endeavor that absolutely enchants Strickland. A couple years later, at the age of 19, Strickland becomes the teacher - attempting to bring the magic and hope he found through art to other kids in his neighborhood. His attempts are not immediately successful - and he runs into roadblocks left and right - he lacks funding, and he finds it difficult to convince others to support his endeavor - both financially and by coming to his center. But, as the decades go by, Strickland builds a learning center that services both youth and adults - and not just in ceramics, but in kinds of artistic disciplines and job training. He surrounds himself with beauty to teach the people he works with that they deserve to live such a life. While telling his story, Strickland does adopt a lot of self-help language - about never giving up, believing in your dreams, etc. But, while sometimes repetitive, it is not condescending or annoying. Rather, Strickland often speaks in concrete terms. I appreciated how he shared his through process - how he came up with new ideas and how he went about raising money for his projects. He shared the times he failed, and was open about his own bout with alcohol and apparent depression. He gives ample credit to the corporate leaders who support him and admits where he went wrong with certain ideas. Strickland's project is inspiring. It makes me wish there were centers like his in every city - and I was happy to learn at the end of the book that there is a similar one in San Francisco called BAYCAT (www.baycat.org). But, the message of Strickland's book is not to go out and start one of these centers, but rather to find the thing in life that you are passionate about and to pursue it. It's a simple message, but one that we obviously forget as we get older and life seems to get in the way. But, Strickland's words and examples go a long way to showing that this is the only way we can lead a meaningful and productive life, and it's a message I think we could all stand to hear over and over again until we get it right.

[Debs · Rating 3 out of 5]

My boss recommended that I read Strickland's book, about a man who helps underserved communities in Pittsburgh grow orchids. Of course, the book is only partially about orchids. It's really about a man who was lucky enough to find his passion early in his life and found a way to make all of his passions into reality.

As I read the first few chapters, I thought this book was the kind of gift I would give to lots of different friends and make it a necessary read for the interns at work. I learned a great many things from Strickland. The first and maybe the most important lesson is that everyone can live their best lives if they follow their passions. Second: you need a beautiful space to dream those dreams.

I truly believe Strickland's gift is the Manchester Bidwell corporation in Pittsburgh where he has created a state of the art job training facility, built by one of America's leading architects, full of sunlight, full of beautiful art, a gourmet food cafeteria, and a fountain. Why a fountain? Because everyone deserves to work and dream in a beautiful space and see what a beautiful life can look like.

This book is not Strickland's gift. Each chapter is almost exactly the same. First, he discovered pottery. He loved it, so he started an after school pottery program. Second, he wanted to bring opportunities to his neighborhood, so he took over a job training program and made it into one of the most beautiful places to work in Pittsburgh. Then he fell in love with commercial piloting, so he became a pilot. Then he fell in love with orchids, so he got funding to build a greenhouse and have a program for orchid growing. You get the point. Oh, and also, did I mention he won a MacArthur Genius grant? Because he'll tell you every fifth page or so.

One of his greatest passions is jazz. So, of course, he added an auditorium for great jazz musicians to play at Manchester Bidwell, and a recording studio that produces Grammy winning albums. But he uses the idea of jazz all the way through the book. Jazz to him is about listening to your inner music, to improvise the musical notes that are your inner resources to make beautiful music through living your best life. One time around this theme would have been enough, but he brings it into every chapter, without really changing the tune.

Strickland's book actually answered a question I asked in my earlier review of Mountains Beyond Mountains, about another genius grant winner, Paul Farmer. I wondered if that book was so good because the story was so compelling or because it was a good book. After reading Make the Impossible Possible, I want to apologize to Tracey Kidder for doubting his writing skills. Clearly, a great man with a great calling is not enough to make his story great. The last lesson learned from Strickland,

[Sarah Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth (and hopefully the last for a while) book that I was required to read for work. I highly enjoyed this book, which largely centers on the author's personal journey towards success and inspiration, and his philosophy for how to approach life. It's hard not to be inspired by Strickland's story of coming from poverty and the ghetto and deciding to stay there and make a difference for other children living in poverty. It's little wonder that he has received national recognition, simply by being the living embodiment of his approach to life; "authentic success, the kind of success that will enrich your life and enlarge your spirit, the only kind of success that matters, comes from knowing and trusting the deepest aspirations of your heart."

One thing I loved about Strickland's story is his sense of possibility. Although he loves helping people, he's very clear that he does what he does because it was only choice he had to be true to the person he is. In like fashion, the training center and community arts program he started is largely inspired by his passions. He loves jazz so the center has a jazz performance hall with famous musicians and its own recording label. He loves orchids, so it has a greenhouse and a successful horticulture training program. This is not to say that he's self-absorbed or that it's all about him but that his heart is behind everything he does. When people thought he was crazy for attempting the initiatives and new programs that he did, he persisted, because he knew they would serve his ultimate goal of inspiring youth the way he felt inspired.

Another aspect I found inspiring in Strickland is his knowledge that he can't do it alone. Strickland is seemingly brilliant at networking and making connections between who he knows and what he is trying to accomplish. For example, working with Bayer to start a Chem tech program. Strickland did not let his fear of the unknown squelch his desire to learn and reach his goals. He's willing to work hard and go out on a limb for what he believes. Strickland is the definition of an innovative and persistent soul who makes things happen.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to see Bill Strickland speak in person several months ago, giving the slide presentation he describes at the start of this book. His presentation was riveting for the same reason that this book was - it's incredible what this man has accomplished, especially given the barriers he faced starting out in life. I was blown away by his talk, and in this book he lays out how he put together each piece of his school in Pittsburgh and explains the philosophy he has developed along the way.

Two pieces I particularly loved are:
1) His belief that every person is full of potential, and giving people a nourishing environment that shows value and stimulates creativity will unlock that potential. He backs this up with many success stories of his former students. He describes poverty as a "cancer of the spirit" that can be cured through spiritual nourishment, including beauty, purpose, and opportunity.
2) His emphasis that success should not be the goal, but instead you should follow whatever you have passion for with all your heart. The feeling that lights you up should guide you, rather than an overly specific endpoint.

Possibly the most incredible thing about this book is how practical the lessons he lays out are, despite the grand scale of the things he has built. I think they're applicable to anybody who chooses to truly take them into their own lives. The book is a quick read and I'd highly recommend it.

[Reese Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breath taking. Show stopping. I love this book seriously.