Over the last three months, I've noticed a sharp decline in my ability to perform certain tasks. Specifically, during the warm-up sessions at Parkinson's Boxing workouts. Almost any coordinated movements between my hands and feet no longer happen. If I get my feet going my hands stop and vice-versa. Even marching in place has become nearly impossible to do. So as I prepared a list of questions for my next neurologist appointment, I began to realize just how much functionality I had lost. I made a list of things I could no longer do and began wondering what would be the next thing to go. I mentioned this to my wife and her comment, in return, struck a chord. "Look at the positives", she said, "don't focus so much on the negative." "Easy to say, hard to do", I thought. Then it hit me, I've always been the optimist. Overly so, if you've ever worked with me on any project. So what was different now? I spent my career motivating others to get the desired results, now it was time to turn the tables and do something to motivate myself. Movies, for me, have always been a good source of inspiration and motivation. I remembered two moments that resonated, both from Apollo 13 and both from Flight Director Gene Kranz. He was an amazing leader and can be attributed to some very motivating quotes. Who can ever forget "Failure is not an option". That said, I'm not sure if the lines I picked are actual quotes of Mr. Kranz or the writers of Apollo 13. Either way though they certainly worked for me.
"Can we review our status here, Sy, let's look at these things from a... from a standpoint of status. What have we got on that spacecraft that's good?"
Sy Liebergot (EECOM):
"I'll get back to you, Gene."
The second quote occurs a little later as Gene overhears two NASA directors discussing the low survival chances for the crippled spacecraft:
“I know what the problems are Henry, this could be the worst disaster NASA has ever experienced.”
Gene Kranz:
“With all due respect Sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.”
Both quotes demonstrate an ability to focus on the positives. Even when everything and everyone around you has nothing but bad news it's important to remember to find those positives.
For me, a new perspective; things could be a lot worse. Each day is a blessing and should be lived like it.
