Persistence prevails!
December 22nd, 2008
Todd Carmichael is a modern explorer who has just proven to the world that persistence pays off! He is the first American to travel — solo — to the South Pole. His journey was 600 miles in freezing temperatures and blistering winds, malfunctioning equipment, and little to no contact with the outside world.
But, it paid off. He achieved his goal. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment he feels must be overwhelming. To me he’s a modern hero. Way to go Todd!! View his website for more information: www.subzerosolo.com. Or view the video below.
Persistence is an important ingredient to achieving your dreams. In fact, it’s necessary. Thomas Edison, while trying to perfect the incandescent lightbulb, was reported saying, ”I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” What do you say about that attitude? He actually tried thousands of times before getting it right.
Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the Unites States, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” He didn’t just say it, he proved it through his actions.
What do you want to accomplish in your life? What matters most to you? What are your goals, hopes, dreams? How will you get there? It’s good to have a plan, but, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Confucius said that, and, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” So, what are you waiting for? Get up! Get going! You have the whole Universe behind you. You can do it!!!!!
And hey Todd, I have a question: If you’re at the axis of the Earth… what time IS it?
December 28th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Wow! Todd’s story is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us. yes, persistence pays. Yeah!
January 15th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Re: Your question on Time Zones
Thats one of the nice things about the Ice - you can choose your own time zone. I like Chilean time (EST+2 hours) since I could travel with the sun always behind me. At the Pole, they are on NZ time, so I converted but a quick jog around the pole and I was in all times zones in five seconds!!
Thanks for the nice piece.
Todd Carmichael
February 5th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Thanks for visiting the site, Todd! And thanks for answering my conundrum
I wish you the best in life.