So what’s your excuse for not reaching your fullest potential? We all have challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds against us in our quest for greatness. Below are shining examples of fellow humans that have faced impossible adversities and have conquered them with their indomitable will.
Triumph of the human mind
Dr. Stephen William Hawking was born in England on Jan. 8, 1942. 300 years to the day after the death of the astronomer Galileo. In early 1963, just shy of his 21st birthday, Hawking was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was not expected to live for more than two years. Yet, Hawking defied the odds. Not only attaining his Ph.D, but also forging new roads into the understanding of the universe in the decades since. Stephen Hawking was regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history. His work on the origins and structure of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes, revolutionized the field. Most of his best-selling books were written at a staggering 4 words per minute due to the loss of all motor functions. He used only his cheek and a joystick on his wheelchair to accomplish these astounding feet. So what’s your excuse?
Triumph of the human body
Nick Vujicic was born with an extremely rare congenital disorder known as Phocomelia, which is characterized by the absence of legs and arms. Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Nick struggled mentally, emotionally, and physically. Bullied at school, he attempted suicide when he was just 10 years old. Eventually coming to terms with his disability, Nick decided to become vocal about living with disabilities and finding hope and meaning in life. Through hard work and perseverance, Nick is now an accomplished motivational speaker, painter, swimmer and skydiver amongst many other things. So what’s your excuse?
Triumph of the human spirit
Wilma Glodean Rudolph was born prematurely on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee When she was born, it was a fight for survival from the beginning. Stricken with double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio, it was a marvel that she even lived. She also had problems with her left leg and had to wear a brace. It was with great determination and the help of physical therapy that she was able to overcome her disabilities. However, the doctors told her that she will never be able to run. Refusing to accept her fate, she decided to prove her doctors wrong. She trained relentlessly until she could start running. She eventually went on to become an Olympian and won 3 gold medals in the 1960’s Olympic games. However, her road to Olympic glory was pretty humbling. When she began to run, she lost every single race that she competed in. One day, she met a world-class coach named Ed Temple. He saw in her, the greatness she had inside. This was the catalyst she needed and the rest was history. So what’s your excuse?
What do all three of these amazing humans have in common? They refused to accept their fate that life had dealt them. They were not afraid to fail time and time again. They had a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset. It’s time to draw on their inspiration and do something great!
