When Thanos declared himself “inevitable,” he wasn’t just boasting—he was demonstrating an unyielding conviction in his own power. Many of us struggle to adopt such unwavering belief because deep down, the human condition is fraught with self-doubt, fear of failure, and past experiences that tell us to play it safe. We carry the weight of our own history—missed opportunities, criticisms, even well-meaning advice that suggests settling for “realistic” goals.
Believing something is inevitable challenges these internal narratives. It forces us to confront the possibility that maybe we’ve been underestimating ourselves or letting outside voices limit our potential. There’s also the fear that if we declare our goals inevitable and then fail, it might hurt more. Ironically, fear of failure often leads to hesitancy—exactly what prevents us from aligning the conditions needed for success in the first place.
Yet, consider how a “failure” isn’t a final verdict but rather feedback on which conditions need tweaking. If you’re short on resources, that’s a sign to strategise more effectively. If you’re lacking a crucial skill, the path is to learn it. When people say, “It can’t be done,” they’re simply revealing gaps in your plan or perspective. Instead of taking it personally, use that input to refine your approach.
Embracing inevitable energy also demands a shift in how we view obstacles. You don’t ignore reality—you shape it. Every roadblock is data pointing to an adjustment needed in your mindset, network, or resources. This approach is what I call “pragmatic optimism.” You believe deeply in your outcome while remaining brutally honest about the work required.
Another key piece is surrounding yourself with people who share or have achieved your vision. They help normalise high aspirations. If you can’t find mentors who’ve already “done it,” connect with peers who are also on the path. The collective momentum of shared goals combats the isolation that often accompanies big dreams.
Sometimes, you might worry your goal seems impossible right now. In that case, zoom out on the timeline. A bigger achievement may need more time to mature. By extending your horizon, you release yourself from the pressure of immediate results and stay focused on the long-term path to success.
Focus is essential. True belief in inevitability frees you from the question of “if” and directs all your energy to “how.” By narrowing your focus, you shut out distractions and become more resilient when obstacles inevitably arise. The more you fine-tune your conditions—be they skills, habits, or connections—the more your end goal transforms from a distant dream into a living reality.
Ultimately, the hardest part is giving yourself permission to believe at that level. It means letting go of society’s “safe” expectations and the limiting stories you’ve told yourself. But once you do, you’ll see that your potential was waiting for this all along. With a steadfast belief in your inevitability, each challenge becomes an opportunity to sharpen your path. That’s true power: deciding you will make it happen and then doing the work to ensure you do.