There are many of us who feel like we can’t make it. That no matter how hard we try, we will never achieve the dreams we have for ourselves. We feel like we lack the willpower, the motivation, the desire, the determination… The truth is that we can accomplish goals if there are some things in place. Take a look at these stories, and I’ll tell you what I mean in a moment.
Chilean Miner, Edison Pena
The Chilean mine collapse is still fresh on our mind. For 69 days miners were 2300 feet below the earth’s surface unsure if they were going to get out. Edison Pena was one of the miners. He was a runner, and despite being so far below the surface and uncertain if he would be able to get out, he decided he would continue his running routine. In darkness he ran up to 6 miles a day throughout the mine in his cut off work boots. He then attached a wooden pallet to himself so he could pull it and get stronger as he was running.
After being rescued, he was invited to be a guest at the NYC Marathon. He accepted, but he wanted to run it. So just 26 days after being stuck in a mine, he ventures out to run the NYC Marathon.
At about the 18 mile mark his knee started giving him a lot of trouble, but he persisted. He finished the NYC Marathon in 5:40:51. Quite a feat for someone who just a few months ago was unsure if he was even going to survive.
Sources:
NYDailyNews
Examiner
Rajesh Durbal
Rajesh Durbal is probably not anyone you’ve ever heard of. He is a triple amputee and just completed the Ford Ironman World Championships. He was born with a congenital deformity, and has to rely on prosthetics.
For anyone who has done triathlon’s before, you know the amazing feat that an ironman takes. What’s interesting about Durball is that he only did his first Triathlon sprint in June of 2009. So in just over a year he moved from a sprint to an ironman competition. That alone is a big deal, but especially as a triple amputee.
Source:
SlowTwitch
So What’s the Point?
These guys are really no different than you or me, but they did have one advantage. They had their back against the wall and knew they had no choice but to move forward. It was against all odds, but going backwards would be a disaster. So they put their mind to it, let nothing stand in their way, and accomplished their goals. And while we all have busy lives and hectic schedules, we all have times we can try harder. It comes down to your motivation and determination. How important is it to you?