John Glenn – The Challenges of Doing Something New

Image by NASA

By Tom Hasker, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International

Have you ever challenged yourself to do something completely outside of your comfort zone? Have you ever faced a situation in which you felt completly unprepared and unsure of the outcome? Perhaps you stood up in front of a crowd and gave your first ever speech or presentation with your heart in your mouth, stepped into a new job that felt out of your depth, or started your first ever business with all your savings?

It is amazing how much courage it takes to be first – to go and do something that no-one has done before. It takes a certain human spirit as well as bravery, courage and conviction to put yourself at the front and take the lead.[emaillocker]

To illustrate this point, have a look at this video that tells the story of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth aboard the Mercury 7 spacecraft ‘Friendship 7’.

What stands out to me in this video is the moment when the modern day NASA astronaut Steven Lindsey says;

“When I first flew the shuttle, I knew what to expect, I think when John flew his first flight he didn’t know what to expect. And that’s a huge difference!”

When we set out to follow our dreams and to fulfil the goals we set out for ourselves, there may well come a time when we come to the edge of everything we know. Ultimately we run out of ‘good advice’ from friends and family because we are doing something that no-one around us has done before. For the original astronauts and cosmonauts, they were – and are still – on that cutting edge of what is thought to be possible.

Legends make sure that they surround themselves with the best people they can find so that they can mastermind and share ideas about how best to progress. John Glenn couldn’t orbit the earth by himself! This is obvious, but what is the challenge you are facing now? What is your ‘first’? Is it daunting for you and those around you? Would you really appreciate a hand in solving some of your queries?

A legend is humble enough to seek out the help that they need – indeed they make sure they have great people who are knowledgeable and wise around them. John Glenn for example, had a whole NASA team around him to help him become the first American to orbit the earth – and achieve a dream!