I have just finished a fascinating book about the life and voyages of Ferdinand Magellan. Between 1519 and 1521, he led the first voyage that sailed completely around the globe. Although he was killed before the voyage ended, it was his vision and leadership that made this unparalleled feat possible.
You are probably asking yourself, “What does this have to do with me, here in the 21st century?” Always a good question to ask. I believe that history has a lot to teach us about humanity, both good and bad. Good things from history can save us time as we move toward our goals in life. Bad things from history can help us to avoid the pitfalls. Lessons not learned from the past are certain to be learned in the future as history repeats itself.
Magellan, in a small 50-foot boat, launched out into uncharted waters on a voyage the scope of which has never been duplicated before or since. At a time when there was still debate as to whether or not the world was round—and even if it were round, were there navigable routes to circle the world—Magellan began his epic trip.
The only current analogy to Magellan’s trip would be to launch you into space at the speed of light to an unknown galaxy where you would have to find food and fuel in order to stay alive and make your way back to earth. While none of us are prepared to take on an adventure of that magnitude, we must constantly expand horizons in our own mind, body, and spirit.
We should all commit to an ongoing expedition within our own personal and professional development. What things are you going to know, master, create, or achieve in the coming months and years that are beyond your known horizon today? Before we are able to expand the things we plan to do in the future, we must first open our minds to expanding the possibilities that exist before us. Just because you haven’t gone somewhere before in your life doesn’t mean that place or achievement or goal does not exist.
We must constantly expand horizons in our own mind, body, and spirit.
As you go through your day, seek to expand the horizons or the realm of possibility in your life.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall
Source: Wisdom for Winners Vol. I by Jim Stovall