The Shackleton Saga/ Chapter 1

The book, "Leading At The Edge", cannot be compared with any other of leadership; it includes the ideal story along with a manual to become one. Earnest Shackleton, the role model of all leaders, is what we can literally call a survivor from the harshest, most isolated place on the planet-- Antarctica. No wonder Ken speaks of him as his hero. The Shackleton Saga descripted the expedition and endurance of the team in detail that makes it seem as if it happened yesterday. The miracle has 10 methods of success that we can learn from, the first of which is about setting goals.

Some may say to focus on the future, others may say to focus on the present. However, the book says to do both. I agree to this kind of planning because it can keep ones motivation by concentrating on the several achievable goals until finally getting to the big, difficult one. Moreover, I think there are various ways to accomplish a 'goal', because there are usually multiple paths to a 'destination', especially if it becomes far to reach. For example, if I wanted to be a billionaire, which is unrealistic at the moment, I can win a lottery, or make a fortune through labor, or even steal money. Although there are many choices, the last option is not something I would choose in real life. The short term goals become the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle to accomplish the big picture, since the long term goal is not something easily accomplished. I would need to think of what job/lottery to take advantage of to achieve my goal. Then, I need a rough view and map myself out to my final destination. This mapping can also function as a way to hold me back from taking unnecessary detours-- sidetracking. Anyone can make use of this method as we only need to focus on easy tasks. With some practice and endeavor, I think anyone can learn how to produce the most efficient path to a goal. Thus, the first chapter can be considered relevant for leadership. After all, we all need bridges to cross rivers as we need tunnels to get through mountains because time is limited, right? It's the same for goals. 

I found this chapter related to my swimming and American football experience, the two sports I'm most dedicated to. In my past, I have set several passing goals for swimming to reach my final goal of the season. As the season had a start and end, time for accomplishing my mission was equally limited. Therefore, I chose to take the most time-efficient way to get to the end successfully. Naturally, short term goals were my focus and sometimes I occasionally adjusted my way to the end. I am still working on football, so I think can reflect on the book, not only for leadership but also for achievement. 

I look forward to the next chapter.