Tips from Great Explorers to Succeed with Style
Most of us will never mush a dogsled to the North Pole, but the way explorers approach life can teach us a lot about living ours.
The well-known explorers of the world made it into the history books because of what they accomplished. But we rarely look at how they did it. We can identify four things that helped these explorers move forward against all odds, whether they were exploring the Amazon or landing on the moon.
1. The greater good.
Leaders can sometimes be egocentric, but the best leaders have a degree of humility—they work toward something bigger than themselves. From John Hanning Speke, the explorer who discovered the source of the Nile, to Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, great explorers work for a great cause. It could be the love of one’s country, loyalty to God, or the good of humanity. Jacques Cousteau, the great ocean explorer, was committed to preserving and protecting our planet. Amelia Earhart was determined to be more than a pilot, and she helped break down social barriers for women. If you want to succeed at work and at home, identify the greater good you are working for, and remind yourself of it every day.
2. Preparation.
Christopher Columbus spent years studying available maps, reading personal accounts, and interviewing sailors about their travels. He studied science, weather, astronomy, and history to prepare for his journey. Roald Amundsen, who discovered the South Pole, lived for two years with the Inuit people to learn survival skills as part of his preparation. We can prepare for success by learning from others, getting the education we need, practicing our skills, and keeping up with the latest trends that drive our business
3. The right team.
None of us can do it alone. Every successful explorer chooses the right team members: some with specific skills, some who provide funding, and some who offer spiritual support. Choose people on your team who can give you honest advice, individuals you can learn from, and someone like a spouse or a religious leader who helps you see the long-term plan. Self-reliance courses are organized in a way that allows each participant to have a team member to rely on.
4. Faith.
Faith is the power within each of us that drives us forward, believing we will achieve. God wants us to be our best selves; He wants us to succeed. We need to begin each day believing that we can face challenges with confidence, gain knowledge quickly, and treat others fairly. We should give gratitude to God for the opportunity to prove our faith in Him.
Self-reliance is an inspired initiative that incorporates the best learning model, the most effective skill-building, and the spiritual practices that prepare us for success.