Seeing Possibilities, Not Just Problems

It’s easy to spot problems. We drive past them every day—empty buildings, underused parks, faded signage, and disconnected neighborhoods. But what if we shifted our mindset? What if, instead of seeing what’s broken, we chose to see what’s possible?

Take Ash Grove’s empty Main Street. Yes, it’s a problem—vacant storefronts and quiet sidewalks aren’t what we hope for in the heart of a town. But if we step back and see it through the lens of possibility, it becomes a blank canvas. What could that space become? A boutique shopping district? A community hub? The opportunity is waiting for someone to imagine it.

I read of one city in Ohio that owned the old four story hotel on the corner of their main intersection and had it priced for $4 million for over a decade. Finally, they decided to offer it for free to any developer that would invest (millions of dollars) in redeveloping it and now the town has a boutique hotel that is the anchor of a redeveloped downtown. It required someone to see the possibility instead of the problem.

In Republic, a $4 million proposal for a history museum and event center on Main Street has sparked debate. To some, it’s too large of a price tag to justify. But what if we ask instead: What could it bring? Could it draw visitors, spark business growth, and reenergize downtown as its new achor? The way we talk about ideas shapes our community’s vision. Seeing potential doesn’t mean ignoring cost—it means recognizing value.

When the City Council in Republic voted in 2024 not to continue a neighborhood initiative, many saw it as a setback. But out of that decision sprang a grassroots effort called “Out and About,” which encourages neighbors to connect on the first Sunday evening of each month and take pride in where they live. That’s the power of choosing possibility over discouragement.

The same perspective applies to volunteerism and civic engagement. It’s true—there were not many service clubs in Republic back in 2024. But instead of lamenting what was missing, I tried to imagine what could be: a new Rotary Club, with a focus on service. Starting something new requires vision, not just critique. The club earned its charter in May, has 26 members now, and has its first big fundraising event Sept. 27.

For those worried about the lack of local leaders and volunteers, let’s stop asking where the leaders are and start equipping them! Programs like the Neighborhood Leadership Academy are designed to inspire and empower everyday citizens to take action. (Enrollment is open now at extension.missouri.edu). That’s the kind of thinking that transforms towns.

It’s not about ignoring problems. It’s about refusing to be defined by them. When we focus on possibilities, we create hope, action, and momentum. Our communities don’t improve because we complain—they improve because we imagine what’s possible and then take small steps toward making it real.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.