Friday, October 24, 2008

What Is Your Obstacle?

Have you ever had a dream, idea, or challenge that seemed impossible? Have you ever hoped you could break through limitations to see those dreams become a reality?

Erik Weihenmayer is a unique leader that has not only broken those limitations, but has made a career out of overcoming insurmountable odds. On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer climbed the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. And on September 5, 2002, when he stood on top of Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, Weihenmayer completed his 7-year quest to climb The Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each of the seven continents

In September, 2003, Erik joined 320 stellar athletes from 17 countries to compete in the Primal Quest, the richest and toughest multi-sport adventure race in the world: 457 miles through the Sierra Nevada's, nine days, sixty thousand feet of elevation gain, and no time-outs. Averaging only two hours of sleep a night, Erik and his team surged past the finish line on Lake Tahoe, becoming one of the 42 teams to cross the finish line out of the 80 teams that began.

What makes Erik's accomplishments incredible is not only that he is living his passion to climb the hardest and highest peaks in the world, but he has done so despite being completely blind. As the only blind man in history to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, his passion and tenacity have set a new standard for the potential of mankind to overcome what others consider impossible obstacles. He has shattered the ceiling of limitations for blind people and has lived as a catalyst of hope for the human spirit.

Today, as you set out to conquer your world, look for the opportunity to overcome the odds, face the winds, climb the mountains, and summit the heights of excellence. To some, adversity causes them to break. To leaders like Eric, adversity causes them to break records. Today is a great day to set new records in your life, work, and family.

No comments: