Success and the Longest Race…

“Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.”

—Albert Einstein

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs Email this article to a friend

What does success have to do with the longest race? It is the endurance factor required for racing a dog sled team for close to 1200 miles in some of the most remote, desolate and cold demographics in the world. Success, like the longest race, is also a long hard race that requires much endurance and a not quitting attitude.

Susan Butcher was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She took an interest in dog sled racing at a young age. She became the only woman to win the Iditarod four times. This is the longest dog sled race in the world; it stretches from Anchorage, Alaska to Nome. It is close to 1200 miles in length and takes near ten days to complete. Making it even more difficult, the temperature, at times, drops to -60 below.

Susan was asked what it took to run such a demanding race and she replied, “I know others have done it and I know that I can also, so I just keep going till I have completed the race.” You can better understand Susan’s endurance when you read her quotes below:

• “I have been known to walk in front of my team for 70 miles, with snow shoes, to lead them through snow storms, in non-racing situations, where I could have just as easily radioed a plane to come and get me.”
• “I do not know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it.”

The reason that more than 80% never succeed in whatever they attempt is that they lack the endurance to stay the race. Many spend a lot of time and money just to quit a little short of the goal.

Winston Churchill emphasized the importance of not quitting in the shortest speech on record, delivered to his old preparatory school in 1941 (Harrow School):

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never–in nothing, great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

This kind of leadership and determination won the victory for England against their enemies of the Second World War. It is this kind of determination that is required to succeed at anything, and it separates the weak from the strong.

Susan Butcher won the longest race because she thought she could and would not give up. You also can win the race if you think you can and refuse to give up until you do.

Success and the Longest Race has this in common: both require a lot of determination, endurance and the will to continue regardless of whatever happens.

About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is a motivational speaker and author who’s been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. He is a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ and considers helping others his calling in life. His websites contains over 600 articles on preparing yourself for success and better living through personal development.

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