Since arriving at Avon Old Farms School in the fall of 1989, a thread runs through my life that links directly back to one of the most unique schools in America. The school's Latin motto; "Aspirando et Perseverando" means "Aspire and Persevere". To a 14 year old boy, it meant very little. However, as a 36 year old man, it's meaning strikes at the core of the human experience.
We each aspire to do better and to be better people than we were yesterday. We should aspire to become better versions of ourselves. We persevere through trials and challenges. Tell me something is impossible and I'll give you examples throughout history where humans have aspired and persevered to achieve the impossible. Think about it next time you board an aircraft, or turn on your computer or seek medical treatment. Someone achieved the impossible for us to be able to enjoy our modern (convenient) lifestyle.
Try this. Borrow the Latin phrase "Aspirando et Perseverando'. I'm sure that Avon Old Farms School won't mind. Write it down on a Post-it note and place it somewhere obvious and refer to it a few times per day. Write it down in Latin. When you read it aloud in another language, it will leave an imprint on your mind that English cannot. Do this for one week. When you come up against a challenge, read it.
See what happens.
Note: Avon Old Farms School is a prep school for boys located in Avon, CT (about 20 minutes from Hartford).
Visit Lance Cashion at www.lancecashion.com or www.hybridcare.com