The co-founder of Moderna shares three actions that extraordinary individuals take to accomplish what appears unattainable.

According to Noubar Afeyan, co-founder and chairman of Moderna, adopting a special kind of optimism can aid in overcoming unlikely obstacles.

During a commencement speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology last month, the billionaire described his mindset as "paranoid optimism," which involves alternating between extreme optimism and deep-seated doubt. This approach, he said, helps to foster creativity while maintaining a sense of reason.

Afeyan, who earned a PhD in biochemical engineering from MIT and taught at the Sloan School of Management for over a decade, stated that he is completely irrational and always optimistic.

According to Forbes, Afeyan, who has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, stated that "extraordinary change agents" accomplish what appears unattainable by taking three specific actions.

1. They imagine.
2. They innovate.
3. They immigrate.

To accomplish impossible missions, you typically need to think creatively and come up with new, original ideas, as Afeyan said.

Experts suggest that although creative thinking may seem challenging, there are several techniques to stimulate imagination, such as the five-step "design thinking" strategy, as explained by Allison Butler, a psychology professor at Bryant University, in an interview with CNBC Make It in January.

Butler stated that the concept appears to be a checklist: Observe individuals, gain knowledge from them, develop insights, generate innovative ideas, and then create prototypes.

Innovation is sparked by imagination, or 'imagination in action,' as Afeyan put it.

Transforming innovative concepts into tangible outcomes can be difficult, he remarked: "Jumps frequently entail unconventional or even absurd notions ... Nevertheless, consider this fundamental inquiry: Why do we anticipate remarkable achievements from rational individuals performing rational actions?

Afeyan emphasized the advantages of stepping out of one's comfort zone, as he did when he moved from Lebanon to Canada and then Massachusetts. He argued that any experience that pushes you to try something new should be considered valuable, regardless of whether it's literal or metaphorical.

"Regardless of where you grew up, whether it's Cambodia, California, or Cambridge, you can intellectually immigrate," Afeyan stated. "To succeed, you must step out of your comfort zone, think in new ways, adapt to the unknown, and embrace uncertainty."

Moderna began developing one of the world's first safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines under Afeyan's leadership, before much of society had retreated into quarantine and Zoom calls.

Achieving great career heights can be uncomfortable, but practicing all three actions on Afeyan's list means you'll be "destined to a life of uncertainty."

"It's where you need to be," Afeyan said.

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