In honor of beekeeper turned pioneer adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary, today's blog is an excerpt from Joe Jordan's forthcoming book Wireframe: Creating the Structure for Enduring Success. Used by permission.
As the sun rose over cities and towns across England the morning of June 3, 1953, two stories captured the attention of the citizens of Britain. The dominating news that day told about two dramatic achievements, two individuals reaching the pinnacle of their lives, two events that many believed would restore hope, opportunity, even a sense of destiny to a country that had struggled to reshape its vision and regain its energy following World War II.
One story captured the breathtaking pageantry, storybook wonder, and edge-of-your-chair excitement of the June 2 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Only 27 years old, Elizabeth's ascension to the throne was broadcast by radio around the world, and at the Queen's request, beamed to thousands of people by television. Although she had prepared for this day since she was age ten, Elizabeth's ultimate right to the throne was because of her name, her birthright, and life's timing--the death of her father, King George VI.
As the citizens of London lined up to honor their new Queen, news of another event passed through the crowds. This ascent had taken place on May 29, half-way around the globe. The second story didn't involve dukes, duchesses, princesses, and kings. The players on this remote stage were a rangy New Zealander named Edmund Hillary and a Tibetan Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay. As the people held their breath at the coronation of a new Queen, Hillary and Norgay caught their breath after scaling the last forty feet of the world's tallest mountain. Standing at the 29,028 foot summit of Mt. Everest, these two mountaineers likely felt as much exhaustion as exuberance.
Your journey through life's challenges is probably a lot more like Edmund's trek up Everest than Elizabeth's path to the throne. For most people, success isn't about rights we have because of a name; accomplishment is about opportunities we embrace because of God's providence and our effort. Sir Edmund Hillary expressed it clearly when he said, "You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things. . . You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals."
If you're breathing, you have problems--situations where what you expected and what you've achieved aren't in line. The concepts and tools of effective critical thinking are wielded more successfully when they are used by someone who is motivated, energized, and committed to results. Hillary's path to achievement wasn't easy--but it was absolutely exhilarating.
Tomorrow is an other day!@
Posted by: air max 90 | November 12, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Your work is really looking good,I suggest that you take the help of Software development India to develop a software, helping you with the designing work.
Posted by: Running Barefoot | July 01, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I want to appreciate the author for giving us the information about the meeting.
Posted by: UGG Sale | August 18, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Blossom, actually should nothing to do with the season. A lot of time in his life is confused, find a better reason to let himself not to want to some other people think unimportant matters.
We all like a clown, in our lifetime playing five balls, the five balls is work, health, family, friends, and spirit. Five balls with only one is rubber, fall can play up and that is work. The other four balls are use made of glass, the off, broken...
Posted by: red bottoms | September 28, 2011 at 03:45 AM
Achievement presents the only genuine delight in life
Posted by: LouisVuitton | September 28, 2011 at 03:46 AM
Thak you for sharing them with us , I think it's worth reading
Posted by: Evering2010 | October 10, 2011 at 02:09 AM
Super cute! My little man would look so stylin' in those!
Posted by: supra for kids | October 14, 2011 at 02:42 PM