Funny how my perspective changed in the mountains. Training in the Ohio river valley just doesn’t compare to the reality of going straight “hup” in the Alps. Today, on an early morning ride in my back yard, I laughed as I climbed the hills that previously caused such strain. I eased up ’em in completely different gears as the sweat beads began to form and my breathing increased. What once hurt, now caused mere discomfort. I smiled as I thought about all the parallels in terms of perspective.
Teddy Roosevelt is known as the “trust buster” for his great work breaking up the monopoly makers as the industrial revolution carried unintended consequences few could reign in without ruining the capitalistic characteristics that were its cause. Teddy, however, was one of those few and his Presidency redistributed wealth without giving anybody a handout. We could certainly use his leadership now, huh? Moving on.
He had little interest in being politically correct. He led from his moral convictions. The press characterized his platform as the “bully pulpit,” take that whatever way you want. Teddy is honored as one of the big four on Mount Rushmore. His legacy is solidly engraved alongside Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. He earned his place in history. He got a lot done in 7 years in office.
And, most of his legislature never made it out of Congress. Most of his attempts to reform failed. Most of his final two years in office were worthless, according to his perspective. You see, Teddy had a bear of a time getting anything done. He could have easily gotten discouraged and given up. He made his body do what it could. He made his Presidency do what it could. He made his mark because of his indomitable will and his willingness to carry on against a mountain of adversaries. He pushed himself into real, hard, work. He kept perspective and kept pushing…
The same is true for you and for me. It’s easy to lose perspective on the mountain, isn’t it? When you find yourself facing something BIG, break it down into bite size chunks and make yourself do what you can. Keep working it and keep your head up. And, remember, Teddy’s advice; Obama’s NOT so much. Teddy left us some good words to chew on. Here’s but a few…
“The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he should be able and willing to pull his weight – that he shall not be a mere passenger.”
Thanks, Teddybear, for the perspective and, more importantly, for the example. You were worth studying. Thanks for being a bully for good. Thanks for modeling the way, embracing pain and suffering, and attempting to get after the truth. You are worth remembering.
Are Y.O.U. pulling your weight, my friend, or some kinda passenger allowing others to pull you along? We won’t last long with only a few pulling, will we? Make yourself do what you can and I’ll see you on the climb, my friend. See you on the climb…
BUILT TO LEAD 