Critical Chance

Category: Monday Tidbits

  • Impossible records

    In the 1950’s after rigorous mathematical computations of the physics of our anatomy, experts concluded that it was impossible for a human to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.

    A physical impossibility, scientists said. Then along came Roger Bannister, who in 1954 broke the barrier with an official time of 3:59.4

    Suddenly, the floodgates opened. Within a month, Roger’s record was beat. Within the next four years, runners would continue to oust each other. Today the record stands at 3:43.13

    We tend to look at averages to determine what is attainable. Truth is, we do not know the limits of human potential. Our brains change in response to our actions and circumstances.

    When we bring talented people together our baseline for achievement rises and suddenly we’re all breaking records once deemed “impossible.”

  • Solving the impossible

    The U.S. Government spent billions of dollars attempting to land on the moon. Many people complained that the money should have been spent on poverty.

    Randy Pausch once responded,

    “When you use money to fight poverty, it can be of great value, but too often, you’re working at the margins. When you’re putting people on the moon, you’re inspiring all of us to achieve the maximum of human potential, which is how our greatest problems will eventually be solved.”

    Our greatest breakthroughs happen when we aren’t focusing on the issue at hand, but instead broadcasting our most ambitious goals.

    By working on things that fascinate us, we create industries that don’t yet exist and solve problems we never imagined possible.

  • Setbacks by the thousand

    Edison had 1,000 documented failed designs of the light bulb.

    It took the Wright brothers 1,000 trials to increase their distance traveled by a mere 200 feet.

    Colonel Sanders’ famous secret chicken recipe was rejected over 1,000 times before KFC accepted it.

    It’s easy to be discouraged by failure. Brick walls are being built around us everyday. At first glance they may seem like they are keeping us out, but if you stick around long enough, you’ll find something different.

    Brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.

    Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper company because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”

    When Walt Disney finally made it, he famously said,

    “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

    … BAM take that brick wall.