Fear to Fail

One of the great feats of this life is overcoming failure.  Failure isn’t perceived as “fun,” failure requires starting again and working harder.  When we imagine heroes from history, or the type of hero that wears a cape, we associate them with glory, popularity and success.  If in them there exists character flaws, we overlook them quickly and focus only on what is perfect; their failures are insignificant.

An article in the Washington Post states:  The key to success is failure.  In the article “How We Succeed by Failing,” Author Kathleen Parker shares excerpts from, the late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs’ famous 2005 commencement speech at Stanford.  Parker reminds that Steve Jobs was fired from the very company that he started.  It was during this time that Steve Jobs picked himself up and started a new company, named NeXT.  NeXT later made Jobs a billionaire when Apple bought NeXT and brought Jobs back.

If we research successful techniques for goal setting, we will always find “not being afraid to fail” as an essential step to success.  Each list of achievements is accompanied by a longer list of failures.  To accomplish anything great, preparation to fail must be present.  Thomas Edison’s famous quote in response to his many failures at inventing the light bulb, “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” exemplifies this point perfectly.

Failure is only failure if you fail to see your successes.

Perspective is the determining factor in the equation for success.  If you can sacrifice the belief that you can’t do something, then complications  won’t slow you down.  As long as there is a belief that success has a chance, you will continue looking for ways to finish what you have started.  In the end, only you can be your own biggest critic, or your own biggest fan.

What’s Your Reason?

Life will pass as a blur unless there is a reason for remembering it.  You must open your eyes and possess vision.  The first step to setting any goal is knowing what you want to achieve. You have to know who you are, and who you want to be.

The play-write,  Oscar Wilde, once said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world.  [Typically] most people exist, that is all.”

How can you “live,” not only “exist?”

You will become who you continually choose to be.

The reason behind the choice is what will fuel the organism.  The reason will outweigh the sacrifice.  The reason takes away fear and hesitation, and provides the “why” to keep going when it’s easier to give up.

Every person that has achieved something great in this life has had a reason that became a part of them.  There is no other way to fight through pain and persecution.

There will always be many reasons not to do something, you just have to find the one that makes you do it.

“You Are What You Surround Yourself With”

On September 21, 2010 an article was published in The New York Times about young women being dressed like boys in Afghanistan because the afghan society find men superior to women. The article speaks of many different situations in which the family mourns when a girl is born and celebrates with the arrival of a boy. One particular woman, by the name of Azita Rafaat, became subject to shame and embarrassment because of her inability to give birth to a boy. Many “all-girl” afghan families make the decision to dress one of their young daughters like a boy so that the girl can have more opportunities and the family a higher social status. When the young girl reaches puberty she is required to make the change back to being a woman, but the damage is done. One young girl struggling to return to womanhood said, “Nothing in me feels like a girl.”

As shown in the extreme example above, social and peer pressure have a large effect on the decisions we make and who we become as a person. Many other studies also prove the truth in the words: “You are what you surround yourself with.”  There are many voices that scream for our attention, but a person only becomes what they listen to.

What should you listen to?

Muhammad Ali is a great example of someone who chose what voices he would listen to — for the most part, Ali listened to himself.  Ali was said to be too light, or not strong enough to be boxing’s heavy weight champion.  Ali shut out the negative voices and thrived on the positive ones.  Ali later became what he repeatedly told himself he already was.  Ali, and many like him create environments to succeed in, rather than settle for environments that already exist.  It’s not necessary to limit yourself to your own voice, but courageously choosing your environment makes the difference.

So, what would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Works Cited:

Nordberg, Jenny. “Afghan Boys Are Prized, So Girls Live the Part.” NYTimes.com. N.p., 20 Sept. 2010. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/world/asia/21gender.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0&gt;.

What Inspires You?

“Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,

But he with a chuckle replied,

“Maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one

Who wouldn’t say so until he tried.

So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin

On his face.  If he worried, he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

– Edgar A. Guest

I posted a question on Facebook asking to all readers, what inspires you?  As I thought about my own answer to this question–which proved to be a good reminder for me–this poem by Edgar A. Guest struck me.  Interestingly enough, the comments posted on Facebook show that the most influential people are the ordinary people closest to us.

So what really inspires?  Is it money and fame?  Inventing something new?  Or perhaps an open rebellion against the norm?

It appears, to be inspiring is to be  sacrificing, courageous, a fighter, a quite hero.  Like the parent who works at a job that they hate, in order to support their family, or the friend that maintains a positive attitude through a difficult sickness.   What truly inspires aren’t possessions or popularity, but rather character and determination.

If these attributes are true examples of what inspires, then even I am capable of changing the world.  Nothing can stop me from spurring change, not money, nor social status.  The only thing that can stop me from inspiring–is me.

Bona Tiyal – A Modern Day Hero

There have been many inspirational people in the world’s history.  Many of these people have come from the many parts of the world.  Today it is easy to believe that people aren’t as bold are inspiring as people were years ago.  The perception of the world and of people has degenerated into a nose dive.  But I believe that many heroes surround us and live their lives by quietly doing good.  One of the heroes of our day is Bona Tiyal.  I hope to stay close to the truth as I share Bona’s story.

Bona Tiyal was born in South Sudan on the seventeenth of January, 1982.  Bona grew up in the city of Juba with his Mom, and four sisters.  Bona’s father was killed in the civil war that began in South Sudan, which then caused Bona and his family to move to a quiet village.  Bona once lived in a modest home, much like one you find today in the United States, but when Bona and his family fled to the villages they began living in small huts made from concrete and and wood.  Because of the difficulties placed upon Bona’s mother in raising five children as a single parent, a well-off uncle took three of Bona’s sisters to live with him in Sudan’s capitol.  Meanwhile, Bona and his older sister moved to a neighboring village with their mother.

Bona began school at a catholic school that was founded by the famous catholic missionary, Camboni.  There Bona excelled in school and paved the road to his future.  Education in Sudan is very different, by law one must dedicate two years to military service in order to graduate from high school and continue a college career.  Bona’s mother and sister saw the effect that military life had upon a person, and feared to have Bona experience the same, so Bona’s sister and mother saved money so that Bona could escape the military.  Bona and his sister had to leave their mother in Sudan, but were able to flee to Egypt, where they lived for the next several years.  At the age of eighteen Bona was left alone in Egypt when his sister married and moved to the U.S. with her husband.  The U.N. would not accept Bona at his age because Bona was not old enough to take care of himself.  After three years, at the age of twenty-one, Bona was driving a friend to the U.N. and decided that he too would try applying to leave Egypt one more time.  Bona was accepted.

Bona ended up live in New York, Washington D.C. and Georgia, the whole time without a car or much to his name.  Finally Bona found himself in Utah where he met his wife Gina and started a family.  Bona currently works at a factory where he works twelve hours a day in order to support his wife Gina and their two children John and Awut.  Bona also attends college at the Salt Lake Community College so that he can further take advantage of what America has to offer.  Despite all that Bona has gone through, Bona still lives his life by the principles of doing good unto others and forgiveness.  Bona’s motivation in his work and studies, aside from supporting his family, is so that he can one day return to Sudan and help educate the people there.  Bona truly is a modern day hero.  Bona has defied many difficult situations at is an incredible example of humility and sacrifice.  I believe that Bona Tiyal understands ‘the American Dream’ much better than we as Americans do.  I am glad that I am able to be influenced by such a great individual.

Founding Fathers: “The citizens of the U.S. are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society”

 

photo courtesy of: americansforprosperity.org

After many years of tyranny from the king of England, and additional years of fighting for freedom, 55 delegates gathered to from and support the foundation of a free country.  Among the many, few participated as courageously as the Founding Fathers.  John Adams, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington.  The greatest work of these men was the meticulous construction of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution.  These documents are the foundation of all that America is.  To make such a definitive decision, as the founding principles of the founding principles of a country, is the feat that the Founding Fathers accomplished.  Today, lengthy debates are born because of disagreements on the “natural rights” of having cable T.V. in every home, or that every american would be the owner of a cell-phone.  It’s even a relentless battle for a family of 6, like mine, to agree on a place to go out eat.  What the Founding Fathers were able to agree on, has been the same cornerstone that has stood for every year since 1776.  These are the same principles that still determine whether or not a law will be passed or passed off.  I believe the reason that the Founding Fathers succeeded in their endeavor because of their motive.  The Founding Fathers sought freedom and natural rights.  The scale by which the Founding Fathers weighed their decisions to find a better future, that would prevent America from captivity.  Once again, the stark contrast of today is the scale is for capital gain.  The Founding Father’s diligence and courage is notable, but their motivation is even more so.

Horace Greasley:

 

Photo courtesy of :  http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/most-powerful-photographs-ever-taken

 

Many times the cliché, “I would do anything for…”, is lightly thrown around. I figure, like many other things, this easier said than done. We all hear about what would be give for work, what would be given for the new car, what would be given for a loved one. All of these things come across as poetic, but in everyone’s mind, as a little irrational. For a desire as simple as a good education, for many is an incredible feat, for others unachievable. But occasionally we hear of that “inspiring individual” who gave everything they had. Horace Greasley was an englishman born in the small town of Ibstock in the year 1918. Greasley grew up as a barber in his town until WWII broke out in Europe. Greasley had a rare opportunity to avoid the war, but felt morally compelled to serve his country. Yet, this is not the inspiring sacrifice that makes Horace Greasley famous.

After just a few weeks of combat, in northern France, Horace Greasley was made a prisoner of war (POW) to the nazi’s. Greasley suffered months of cruel punishment at the hands of the german SS soldiers. Unbearable winters of 30 degrees below zero with nothing but the clothing on his back, Months of malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions. Greasley would experience and witness many horrors during his time as a POW, but it wasn’t these experiences that made Greasley unforgettable.

In a particular camp called, Quarry in Silesia, Greasley would make his sacrifice and risk everything for what he though more important than life itself. Here, in the Quarry of Silesia, Greasley would fall in love with a german translator named Rosa Rauchbach. Greasley and Rauchbach would fall in love and secretly find ways to be with one another at the camp, until Greasley was transferred to another POW camp. Despite the separation, Greasley and Rauchbach would still find ways to find one another, to the point that Greasley would break out of the camp over 200 times to meet with Rauchbach and then sneak back into prison, so that he wouldn’t be killed if caught. Greasley did this for near 5 years, until the time of the nazi defeat. Not only would Greasley fight for his love, but he also fought for his comrades by bringing back extra food for the prisoners after time with Rauchbach. Horace Greasley truly fought and sacrificed for what he loved and gave everything to preserve it.

 

William Wilberforce: “If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.”

William Wilberforce was born in 1759 to a wealthy english family in Kingston-upon-Hull. William Wilberforce wasn’t particularly special in his youth, being a simple young adult that was a little bit lazy. Much like young adults today, young William Wilberforce was unmotivated in his schooling. Wilberforce’s family was well off and Wilberforce didn’t see a reason to work hard. It was until 1786 that Wilberforce felt a drive to work tirelessly for a cause. After being converted to religion by reading Rise and Progress of Religion In the Soul, Wilberforce was asked to play an active role in the abolition of slavery act. In England, slavery was a way of life and seen as a necessity. It not only made life easier for the slave masters, but it was a huge economic booster for England. Wilberforce was appalled by the treatment of slaves, and believed that it wasn’t moral to own slaves. What isn’t completely appreciated is Wilberforce’s defiance of slavery when slavery was as popular as owning a nice car. For years Wilberforce fought parliament, trying to make slavery illegal in all of England. On July 26, 1833, Wilberforce heard that the Abolition Act was finally passed. Three days later, on July 29, 1833, William Wilberforce passed away. Wilberforce is inspiring for us today because of his example of morality. By working to pass the Abolition Act meant that life and business would dramatically change for many. The loss of money produced by slave trade would also sacrificed, totaling approximately 20 million pounds (british currency). Today, morals and values are still under attack. We see that decisions are made based upon the profit that will be gained instead of the values that we wish to be upheld. Wilberforce believed it more important to hold true to what is right instead of what was profitable. Popularity was not an issue, but a clear conscious was plenty company for Wilberforce.

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of:  mylearning.org

William Tyndale: “… And if God spare my life, ere many years, I will cause the boy that driveth the plow to know more of the scriptures than thou dost.”

 

 

Photos courtesy of: http://www.tyndale.org

Roughly around the year 1489, William Tyndale is born in a small province of Dursley, England. Not much is known about William Tyndale, other than Tyndale’s family was well off and Tyndale was a learned and accomplished linguist. Tyndale attended Oxford where he received his B.A. in arts in 1512. While Tyndale attended Oxford, Tyndale began to study theology and develop many controversial opinions. Tyndale was also highly influenced by the work of the reformist, Martin Luther, who believed that there were many things that were wrong with the leaders of the catholic church. Tyndale also strongly believed that the complete control of scripture by priests was not correct. Tyndale believed that the church leaders were corrupt and was once caught in a heated discussion with a “blasphemes” clergyman, saying, “I defy the Pope and all his laws, and if God spare my life, ere many years, I will cause the boy who driveth plow to know more of the scriptures than thou dost.” Tyndale then sought permission to translate and print the New Testament in english, but was denied.

Tyndale left England and traveled abroad in hiding, translating the New Testament and even causing that the Bible be smuggled into England and Scotland. Cardinal of the catholic church, Woolsey, fronted the fight against this reformation of Tyndale’s and later declared Tyndale a heretic. Despite Tyndale’s title as a wanted man, Tyndale continued his work. Many church leaders demanded that all copies of the Bible were to be collected and burned publicly. The result of the burning of scripture caused much controversy, even amongst the faithful members of the catholic church. Tyndale also openly accused the king of England, Henry VIII, of wrongfully divorcing his wife and accused Cardinal Woolsey of supporting the king’s offense. Henry demanded that Tyndale be found and brought before the king. Finally after several years of being on the run, William Tyndale was betrayed. Tyndale was kept prisoner for a year and a half in a dungeon near Brussels, Belgium. Finally Tyndale was taken from his dank, isolated cell and tied to the stake outside the castle walls. Tyndale’s final words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes!” Tyndale was then strangled and burned. Tyndale showed his conviction and integrity by sacrificing and dedicating his life the his cause even until his martyrdom.

 

Martin Luther: “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”

Martin Luther was born in 1483, in a small town near modern day Berlin, Germany. Luther was born into a small and poor family, but his family sacrificed much so that young Martin Luther could have a more promising future. Martin Luther attended schooling and a university, but Luther’s life changed dramatically. While in a dangerous lightening storm, Luther promised God that he dedicate his life as a monk if he received protection and lived. In all honesty, the average person would forget as soon as the weather went back to normal, but Luther felt it his duty to fulfill his promise. At the University of Wittenberg, Luther taught biblical theology. Luther would also travel to Rome and meet with many other monks and priests within the catholic church. Luther was offended at immorality of the many priests that met in Rome, and was further offended by the announcement of sins being forgiven by paying money to the church. Luther then went to the bible and was not satisfied when did not find doctrinal support of the catholic church’s practices. Luther then would courageously write and post 95 thesis, or incorrect beliefs of the church, on the front door of the catholic church. The catholic church in the early 1500’s was the dominant religion in all of europe. The church was also seen as a kind of hierarchy or government. The writing and placement of the 95 “faults” on the front of the church is like writing 95 faults with our government today and then placing them on the front door of the white house. But without the protection of freedom of speech. The church demanded that Luther renounce his 95 thesis, but Luther retaliated saying if the church could find the scripture that contradicts his thesis, he would retract his teachings. The church could not find anything that proved Luther wrong, but Luther was declared a heretic and a wanted man. Luther literally became a fugitive, but continued to strive for a reformation of christianity. One of the most amazing things that Luther did while in hiding is translate the New Testament of the Bible into german. This made the Bible available to the common people, who beforehand had not access to the “word of God”. Luther’s work would later influence many others to translate the Bible and make it accessible to the peasant and priest alike. The lutheran church is rightly named after the reformist, Luther, and there are many members of the Lutheran faith today. The world today is very different than it would have been, because of Luther’s courage and conviction.