7 Ways to become Remarkable
Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are attempting the first solar powered flight around the world. The attempt began March 9, 2016 in Abu Dhabi UAE when André flew to Muscat, Oman in 13 hours and 1 minute.
18,375 miles later, the team is preparing to fly the Solar Impulse 2 into New York City from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Yesterday:
I was delighted that my schedule allowed me to accept an invitation to meet the pilots and see the plane. Yesterday I drove 140 miles from my home to Lehigh Valley International Airport.
I sat at a wooden folding table for a long talk with Bertrand about leadership. The temporary hanger was mostly empty. (More on that conversation another day.)
Sunday:
Last Sunday, I told a friend about my short expedition. “Why are you doing that?” She asked. At first, I didn’t know the answer. I had already interviewed André. I just knew I wanted to.
I realized that my passion to make a difference compels me to learn from remarkable people.
7 ways to become remarkable:
#1. Take every opportunity to connect with remarkable people. Poke and prod them. Remarkable seldom happens in isolation.
#2. Do less of what you did yesterday. Remarkable is about change, never more of the same. There is a caveat. You must never change your passion to do things that matter. You can’t simply chase the latest shiny new object and be remarkable.
#3. Reject excuses. Do the scary thing.
#4. Do what makes you happy in service to others. Serving yourself makes you forgettable. Serving others makes you remarkable.
#5. Dig in for the long haul. Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg’s attempt to fly a solar airplane around the world began 14 years ago. Bertrand has raised over 140 million dollars.
#6. Act your way into clarity. Dreaming is useful only when it inspires action.
#7. Lean into dissatisfaction with optimism, not despair.
What does the path to remarkable leadership look like to you?
Follow two pioneers flying around the world in a solar airplane.
Modern day heroes, no doubt!! Pushing the envelope of the comfort zone to expand our human existence – I love it! I have no doubt we are all remarkable; we only need the bravery to try something new! (I am envious of your meeting the pilots and seeing the plane!)
Thanks Dianna. I agree. I believe we have more in us than we might believe.
I think back over the last 5 years with gratitude for all the amazing people who have impacted my life.
Why would you limit your gratitude to the last 5 years? Every day, every person has an impact.
Great question, Dianna. I can go way back when recalling remarkable people, as I’m sure most can. However, the number of people that have enriched my life over the past 5 years has grown exponentially. Thanks for asking.
Their willingness to take risks is inspirational.
I lucked out a year or so ago, when the cross-country solar powered flight required an unexpected stop in Cincinnati to dodge weather. The plane was only there overnight, but somehow the word got out, and thousands showed up to see it take off the next morning. The enthusiasm and energy in the crowd was electric (sorry I could not resist)!
Reminded me just how far we can climb when we put our minds to it.
Thanks Rob. I’m so glad you stopped in to share your story. I appreciate your energizing attitude. 🙂
Cheers
great title! didn’t expect this story – thanks for another insightful post.
Thanks Mike.
I am a firm believer of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I LOVE your point “act your way to clarity.” Like you said dreaming is great only if you act on it. That is what I am presently doing “acting to clarity” that is allowing my purpose and passion of coaching to the next level. Thank you so much Dan for your wonderful insight as always.
Thanks Marni. I think we have to acknowledge that getting to the next level and getting out of your comfort zone are often connected. You can’t have one without the other.
I love everything about this post, Dan. Their story is an amazing one of unbridled creativity and determination. We must push ourselves out of our comfort zones in order to grow – a lesson I wish I had learned a long time ago but am grateful to have accepted in the last year. The best thing about this is how, like a drop of water in the ocean, there is a ripple effect that touches and improves the lives of others.
Pioneers these individuals are for sure, surrounded by individuals around the world who either dream of becoming one in their own journey only held back by our own fears, or daring to go the extra mile and becoming a Pioneer in their own special niche’! History has so many individuals who each in their own way become leaders, by doing amazing things,how lucky we are? Time never stands still for those who live on the edge!
I am truly inspired by this great accomplishment. This further proves that you can achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it and you take strategic steps towards its realization.
Cheers to that moment TODAY!!! 🙂