A Lesson Learned From Wilbur and Orville
What the Wright Brothers Have Taught Me
When reading The Wright Brothers by David McCullough there is much that can be learned by anyone. The brothers were relentless in their pursuit of knowledge and inspiring beyond belief. Join me as I dig through all that I have learned in a matter of 108 pages.
Above all, Orville and Wilbur had a drive like none other and never gave up in reaching for their dreams. When I look at my own life, I am inspired by the brothers and all that they pushed through. Hardship is inevitable and it is a lot easier to give up when faced with challenges. I don’t always find it easy to pick up and continue on when something doesn’t go as planned or in my favor. I am taught by the two that in all circumstances, no matter what I face, that good comes to those who carry on. It is important to note that this does not mean you can’t sit in your weakness for a moment. It is important to feel the failures, but even more so is to stand back up and continue on.
Equally important, is the ability to leave the past in the past. Once I’ve felt my sadness and pulled my big girl pants back up, I have to work hard to actually let things go. Holding on to the past does nothing but keep you in it, and from the Wright brothers, I have learned that the only way to reach true success is to fully move on and be in the present. Look only to what is ahead and never forget where you’re trying to go. Learn from what you have experienced but never let it hold you back from what is out there waiting to be conquered.
Like the brothers, I thrive off of my support system. Having family and friends around you to support you and help along your ventures is an advantage like none other. Always allow those people to cheer you on, just as the Wrights’ sister and father, but also know when to move past people with negativity. The brothers never let the media or people with differing opinions bring them down or change their faith in any way. Know where you stand and know that the people who love you will stand right there with you. Life is not about pleasing the masses, frankly that will never happen. It’s about doing what pleases yourself, and when you have, striving for even more.
I would like to say that I have the determination and strength like Wilbur and Orville, but the truth of the matter is that not many do. This is something I strive for daily and allow me to push me forward in all that I do. In my own experiences, may they be an innovation of the century, or completing a college degree, holding fast to what matters most is what I believe to be most important. Staying true to who you are and what you wish to accomplish will prove beneficial in all circumstances. As I have learned in my reading, never quit. Put your all into what you want to accomplish and know that you are never done. Even once you have reached what may have been the initial goal, there is always more, always something further to strive for. Never stop learning in all that you do.
The Wright brothers are an inspiration to anyone wanting to accomplish something in life. From reading about their experiences, I have become a better woman, ready for all that life brings to my journey. I strive to never give up, to always keep the faith, and to believe in what I’m passionate about. I encourage you to do the same, you’ll thank me, and the brothers, for it later.
