On Friday night, June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali passed away. He has been described as a legend, an icon, The Champ, and The Greatest. The last description often being self-described from the earliest part of his career and was a major part of his brand story. Whether you agree or not, Ali was a catalyst for change and was not afraid of adversity.
Muhammad Ali showed no fear and didn’t quit. He fought for what he believed in even when he lost his prime competitive years as an athlete. His conviction of belief, his passion, and his long term view drove his success. Ali approached his sport unlike his peers and predecessors by combining unmatched talent with theater, with deep held beliefs, and the desire to change the world.
I remember as a child always knowing his name. He was a popular figure who became a role model for many who were different and who wanted to become better than what they were. What impressed me over the decades after he retired was that even when Parkinson’s had a grip on him, he still didn’t quit. Only The Greatest can continue to overcome obstacles without fear like that. He certainly was special man.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” –Muhammad Ali
In this moment of reflection about an admired voice of change, here are a few questions to consider,
- How can you as a business owner and leader better approach how you create a winning team even when facing immense obstacles?
- Are you letting outside (or maybe even inside) forces determine your future?
- What is stopping you from accomplishing your goals, and what is your plan for overcoming that?
Please comment or send an email to comment@stephenmclain.com
Copyright 2016-Stephen McLain