Inspiring Story – Overcoming Perceived Obstacles

On a whim, I scanned my bookshelf this weekend and pulled down this booklet by Carl Mays I received five or so years ago in a seminar.  Reading through the author’s little collection of motivational advice, I came across this gem below and just had to pass it along.  It shows how your outlook and attitude is everything when it comes to overcoming perceived obstacles.

Run a Strong Race
from Anatomy of a Leader by Carl Mays

She was a premature baby and weighed only four and one-half pounds.  At four years of age, she had double pneumonia and scarlet fever, leaving her with a paralyzed left leg.  But, with the positive influence of her mother, she had the courage and determination to initiate a plan for success.  In her ninth year, she did away with her brace and took her first unaided steps.  In high school, she entered a race and finished last, but she didn’t quit.  With much effort she began to win races in college and, finally, in the Olympics.  Racing against the greatest female runners of the time, Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals.

If a child from a poor family, who was never expected to walk or even live, not to mention, run, can achieve such outstanding results, imagine what you can accomplish if you just make the effort.  Having commitment means putting one foot in front of the other and never quitting under any circumstances.  The more positive you are, the less inclined you will be to accept the limitations imposed upon you by events, situations, physical conditions, or the attitude of others.

Isn’t she beautiful?