This week on Think Thursday, Molly explores a fascinating concept from Jim Collins' newest book, What to Make of a Life: encodings—the unique interests, abilities, and areas of engagement that make us come alive.

Using the remarkable story of NFL legend and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, Molly examines how our lives may hold more possibilities than we realize and why the person we are today is not the final version of ourselves.

Drawing connections to Benjamin Hardy's Personality Isn't Permanent and the science of neuroplasticity, this episode challenges the belief that our identities are fixed and invites us to remain curious about who we might still become.

In This Episode:

What Jim Collins means by "encodings"
The surprising second career of Alan Page
Why identity is more flexible than we think
How neuroplasticity supports lifelong growth and discovery
The difference between your history and your potential
Why changing your relationship with alcohol can create space for new possibilities
How curiosity may be more important than finding a single purpose

Key Takeaway

Your past tells the story of what you've experienced so far. It does not define everything you're capable of becoming. There may be strengths, interests, and opportunities still waiting to emerge—and your next chapter may reveal a side of yourself you haven't yet discovered.

Resources Mentioned

What to Make of a Life by Jim Collins
Personality Isn't Permanent by Benjamin Hardy

Listen in and consider this question: What if the most interesting part of your story hasn't happened yet?

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