You never know your true strength until it is tested. One of the most famous tests of human endurance is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, a British explorer whose boat and men got stuck in the ice in Antarctica. When the ice began to thaw, it crushed the boat, leaving Shackleton with no choice but seek help from a far-off whaling community. In an amazing journey of human endurance, he and his crew overcame dark months, ice capped swells, little food, hiking across frozen tundra, and a myriad of other problems to save themselves. After nearly two years of being stranded, the entire crew was rescued. biography.com/people/ernest-shackleton-9480091
How this applies to you:
Shackleton had a clear and motivating goal that he risked his life to achieve. You also have clear and motivating goals. Like him, you are going to have to persist over both big and small obstacles. Let’s consider how to do it:
1. Think about your goal positively and constantly. This is by far the most powerful way to stay motivated and on task. If Shackleton didn’t believe his crew would be rescued and mentally gave up, we would not be telling this story. Create a clear picture of what you want and a visceral understanding of how you want to feel. These two things anchor your goals into your very being.
2. Prepare yourself for success. The reason Shackelton’s crew was able to survive so long is because they had provisions and each other. They got stuck early in their journey and were able to live off the food they packed as well as enjoy each other’s companionship.
As you think about your own goals, think about what you will need to be successful, make a list, and compile it.
What help will you need?
Where will you get it?
What will you wear?
Where will you get your success?
Success is a journey. Plan for it.
3. Stay confident. Shackleton’s men endured months of darkness and, I’m guessing, feelings of hopelessness when their boat was crushed by the ice. Yet Shackelton remained confident that he would be able to save everyone. And, he did.
When your best-laid plans go to hell in a handbasket, how are you going to stay confident you will succeed?
What will keep you from quitting?
Shackelton’s story has been made into numerous movies and documentaries because his story resonates with all of us. While not as epic, things in our own lives rarely go as planned and it is incumbent on us to make progress, not to create perfection. Shackleton clearly loved the adventure of the sea and even ventured back to the area he was stranded, later in life. Your life is meant to be an adventure that pushes you to go beyond your current capabilities and introduces you to your own personal power. Don’t worry about perfection, just get out there and put one foot in front of the other. With every step of progress, you will inspire others to do the same.
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