"NO ARMS, NO LEGS, NO PROBLEM" - Changing "It can't be done" to "I'll do whatever it takes to get it done."

#12 PERSEVERANCE: Nick Vujicic* was born with no arms and no legs. He faced all the challenges of growing up and decided that there was a reason for every single one of the challenges we face. He was upset with what he perceived as a restless, deeply unhappy population of young people and the increasing teen suicide rate. By the age of 19, he had already begun fulfilling his dream of encouraging others by sharing his story. He became a world famous motivational speaker.

In 1969, at age 27, Stephen Hawking** was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and given two years to live. He is almost totally paralyzed and communicates through a speech generating device. He is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. His book A Brief History of Time stayed on the British Sunday Times bestseller list for a record 237 weeks. He taught at Cambridge for 30 years, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S. Stephen has been married twice and has three children.

What does it take to persevere? It takes not letting circumstances dictate what’s possible for you. It takes a vision of what life will look like once the challenge is overcome. It’s not about envisioning a different life, but envisioning your life lived a different way.

As you pursue your goal, you will encounter obstacles. You will make mistakes. You may even become discouraged. Accept that that will be part of the process. When it happens change, “It can’t be done,” to “What will it take to get this done?” 

It is unlikely that you’ll ever have to face anything as challenging as both Nick and Stephen face every day. Take inspiration from them and others who have persevered. Stay focused. Keep your eye on the prize and move forward. 

*To read more about Nick Vujicic: http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/aboutus-nick.php.
**To read more about Stephen Hawking: http://www.hawking.org.uk