Continuing on the theme of “failure” this week, we look take a look at Harrison Ford. You know him from movies like Star Wars and the Indiana Jones series. Harrison Ford is probably one of the most well known actors of our time.

To hear the struggles that he went through and to see the success that he has gained through his perseverance, is inspiring. We are faced with challenges each and every day and we must face those challenges with determination and resolve. If we back down in the face of adversity we will forever be ruled by our circumstances.

Resolve to take the reigns and control of your future. Harrison Ford is a great example of not allowing naysayers to dictate his life.

This week we will look at “failure” and how some well known people have handled their “failure”.

Most of us are familiar with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the 80’s and 90’s. Michael and his Bulls dominated basketball during that era winning 6 championships.

Some may think that Michael Jordan had a natural talent and was an amazing basketball player his entire life. Although he is Michael Jordan, he is still human and had his share of struggle. We tend to look at our hero’s as superhuman, without flaw. Although Michael had an extremely successful career that does not mean he did not have his share of “failures”.

I chose to take a lesson from Michael and view my “failures” as a necessary part of life to reach our end goal. These “failures” shape our character and how we handle adversity.

As adults, we tend to think that kids do not understand some of the things going on around them because they might be too difficult for them to wrap their minds around. This video shows that kids really can, and often do, understand the difficult circumstances around them.

The actions of the little girl are those of love, selflessness, caring and understanding. This is great reminder to me that kids sometimes “get it” more so than adults.

Some very powerful messages have come out of the modern day commercial. Take this example from Anheuser-Busch showing a group of soldiers walking through an airport as they return home. The feeling of respect towards the soldiers in this video is overwhelming.

Now, granted this is not actual footage of a group of soldiers coming home. Nonetheless, the feeling and the message is the same as if it were real footage. Whether or not you agree with any of the wars of today or the past, the soldiers that put their lives on the line for our freedom certainly deserve our utmost respect.

This is an old Apple commercial (notice the rainbow apple) that not only sums up the company and how they strive to be different. But, the commercial also provides a great reminder to all of us that “being normal” is not going to change the world. People that change the world are the people that go against the status quo and stick up for what they believe in. For some of these people it took years or even decades for their vision to catch on, others still paid the ultimate price and never got to personally see their dream fully realized.

In the end, all of these people held true to their dreams and visions and the world has been forever changed due their persistence.

To that, I say “Thank You”.

Jason McElwain (aka “J-mac”) an autistic boy going to school at Rochester, New York’s, Greece Athena High School was the manager of the basketball team in 2006. As manager his main responsibilities were motivating the players, handing out water, and attending to the needs of the team. On February 16, 2006 during a division title game against Spencerport High School, things changed a little bit. Jason got to suit up for the game, wearing #52. Originally the plan was to let Jason suit up and feel what it was like to wear the uniform and be a part of the line-up. After Greece Athena took a substantial lead, coach Jim Johnson signaled to Jason to get into the game with 4 minutes left. The rest, as they say, was history. Jason went on to score 20 points in 4 minutes, sinking 6 three pointers and one 2 pointer. Jason’s last three pointer was a buzzer beater that turned the crowd into a frenzy.

Jason’s efforts over the years as the teams manager earned him a spot in the game, his efforts in that game earned him a spot in history. He gained national recognition and become an local celebrity. During the 2006 Espy awards, Jason was nominated for and won the Espy for Best Moment in Sports, beating out Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game. Jason also got to meet President Bush in March of 2006, who later told Jason he wept upon seeing the video of his time in the game.

Jason’s story shows us all that when we are given the chance to shine, we should take the moment for all it is worth.