Have you heard the story of Ernest Shackleton?
In August of 1914, Ernest Shackleton headed out with his crew to cross the Antarctic continent. His ship was named Endurance but it did not live up to its name.
Just off the Weddell Sea, Endurance became trapped in ice. Both crew and ship were trapped there for 15 months until they finally escaped in lifeboats. The ice was slowly crushing their ship.
Most of the crew camped out on Elephant Island. However, Shackleton and four volunteers left the island in search of help in one of the life boats. They crossed 80 miles of open sea and then traversed nearly 30 miles of rugged terrain to reach the Stromness whaling station on South Georgia Island. After spending some time there, Shackleton was able to borrow a ship. He used that ship to rescue every single crew member.
What was Shackleton’s key to success? He had a clear goal and direction, knew when to change his goal, followed a consistent path forward, and had a growth mindset (saw obstacles as challenges). Also, he worked with his team and supported each team member. By doing these things, he was able to face life-threatening challenges with grace and honor and accomplish more than anyone would have expected of him.
Many young adults are graduating this month all over the US and the world. I hope that every reader as well as every graduate follows the example of Ernest Shackleton.
May every graduate become a successful adult!
Let the encouraging words in these near a river posts help you
soar like an eagle above life’s storms.
Who do you allow to leave footprints in your heart?
Why is there so much chaos in our world?
Want to be like Ernest Shackleton?
No one should ever give up!
