One of the books that inspired me back in those days:
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Through-Intimidation-Robert-Ringer/dp/0449207862
While the book is about business, it applied to all aspects of life.
Bottom line—you are either playing offense or defense.
If you are playing offense you win.
If you are playing defense you lose.
When someone tells you something is impossible (and you want to do it) then you need to get super creative.
I have done “impossible” things many times in my life.
:)