'Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.'
The quote above is the definition of madness. Yet, most self improvement methods teach us perseverance. We're taught that we should keep trying in the face of adversity, to never give up and keep renewing our efforts over and over again. Whether it is to applying for jobs, starting a business or following our dreams. We're told to carry on. We're told to try again! Whatever the weather!
Then, are we all mad?
Quite possibly!
We're certainly unreasonable, because we won't accept the status quo of our lives right now. For whatever reason, billions of people settle with what they have. BILLIONS!! Doesn't that blow your mind?
So, what is it that makes you and I want to strive for more? And why are our perseverance methods used to describe mad people? I think of all the people i truly admire and hold up as role models. I'm certain at one stage someone would have tried to dissuade them from their plans with an 'Are you mad? Are you crazy to think you can achieve that?'
Today, I warmly read an article today about Stefaan Engels who has run 365 marathons in a year. If this feat of commitment, endurance and pushing the boundaries of human capability wasn't enough to be impressed by. Check this out:
'Engels suffered from asthma as a child and had been told by doctors to avoid sport.'
This guy is amazing... but i'm sure he's been labeled 'mad' once or twice in his life. So, i'll keep continuing my sheer, unadulterated stubbornness and keep going for my dreams every single day. If anyone mentions the 'M' word - i'll take it as a complement
