“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
Peter Drucker
It is a unique and rare opportunity to celebrate the turn of a decade. You really have to take a mental step back and admire all the events that can happen in just ten years. I, for one, feel very lucky to have experienced all of the amazing changes this past decade.
Everyone has their “Best of the Decade” lists. Reading the blogs online, I saw that many of them focused on technological advances, celebrity deaths, and events that changed the very way that we live. Well, we have a short list of our own, what we call our “Best Inspiration of 2000-2010″. You may not have heard of or remember all of the events… but our hope is that you will look back at these events and think “This decade wasn’t that bad after all!”
American Idol
On September 4th, 2002, an unknown singer got her chance at stardom… and won it! Kelly Clarkson won the first American Idol contest 58% to 42% against runner up Justin Guarini. This makes our Best Inspiration List, because it shows how hard work and talent can pay off in the end. Not only did Kelly inspire American Idol contestants that follow her, she continues to have a successful career in music. I can only imagine how many aspiring musicians saw her win that award and devote themselves to their craft even more:
The International Space Station
This event, while easy to pass up in lieu of more sensational news stories, demonstrates a very important step. On what other projects do we find collaboration on this level? I am at a loss to think of something of this scale that has brought together different countries in the world so closely. I think of this as a step in the direction towards building international trust and working on the issues that affect us all.
Safe Landing on the Hudson River
Imagine lifting off of the tarmac, watching the ground get farther away, then fearfully watching as your plane fell closer and closer to the water. That is exactly what happened to Captain Sullenberger.After encountering a flock of birds, his plane lost two engines and sped toward the water. However, he pulled off an amazing landing, safely bouncing his plane to a stop on the Hudson River. True, the event was extraordinary, and the implications were also great. Here’s what the captain has to say about it from Newsweek:
When our aircraft lifted off on that cold day in January, our world was an uncertain place. Americans were uneasy, facing a troubled economy at home and abroad. We questioned our collective competence. I think that the wonderful outcome of our brief flight over New York helped give people reason to feel hopeful again. In their interactions with me, people share a moment of joy. While we didn’t set out to do anything special, those of us who flew on Flight 1549 remind us all of the potential for good that exists in the world—and in each of us.
As you can see, these are only a few of the inspiring stories from this decade. What events have inspired you? How about in your personal life?
