“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
– Charles Darwin
The vastness of space has always held a magnetic allure for many, but for Chris Hadfield, it wasn’t just a fascination — it was a calling. Born in a time when Canada lacked a space program, the odds of this young Canadian boy becoming an astronaut seemed almost as vast as space itself. Undeterred, Hadfield embarked on a mission of preparation. He took to the skies, becoming a skilled pilot, ventured into the intricate world of engineering, and even delved into test piloting.
And when the moment came, Chris was ready. Canada announced its collaboration with NASA, and they needed astronauts. Hadfield, having readied himself against the odds, was chosen. But then a medical setback threatened to unseat his dream. Many would’ve taken this as a sign to step back, to resign to the forces of fate. But not Hadfield. He pivoted, took roles within NASA on the ground, and when his health permitted, he returned to the stars. His resilience and adaptability culminated when he became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, floating above Earth, guitar in hand, sharing his experience and music with millions below.
It stirs something in us to see someone dedicate themselves so fully to something — for so long — and reap the rewards of their persistence. It’s a reminder that the only way to truly fail is to stop trying.
If you know what you want, and you have an idea of how you’d get there (even if it’s only a shadow of an idea), then there’s nothing standing in between you and your goal… except your fear of failure, your resistance to take the first step, and your refusal to adapt when new information presents itself.
The path to your goal is rarely direct — or even certain. But what difference does it make? The path you’re on now is (as all paths) equally indirect and uncertain. So why not veer your life persistently in the direction you want it to go?