Today is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic – the ship they thought was unsinkable. But the unimaginable did happen, and two thirds of those on board died when the mighty liner hit a blue iceberg which was almost invisible in the deep midnight darkness. One of the survivors was a relation of sorts, so today is quite poignant for me.
Much has been written about what happened and possible reasons why, and I really have nothing to add. However, I admit to a strange fascination at the scale and pathos of the disaster. The story of the Titanic had been told and retold many times and it has become part of our collective history – an odd mixture of glamour and tragedy; of mismanagement and sheer bad luck; of shattered hopes and dreams, and tales of heroic self-sacrifice.
Lessons have been learnt from the tragedy and changes have been made to improve standards of ship design and construction; and regulations and safety procedures for sea voyages are far more robust, but still not completely infallible.
When we launch our own personal ship of dreams, it is a good idea to make sure that we plan carefully and have robust processes and procedures in place. Having a clear idea of where we want to go, what we want to accomplish, and the best (and safest) way to get there make it far more likely that we will achieve our desired goals. If we do happen to hit a hidden iceberg along the way it helps to have enough lifeboats. The best one of these is resilience. A strong belief in our dreams and in our own ability to get up again if we are knocked down is one of the most vital strengths to develop to keep us afloat.
- What lessons have been most helpful when planning to achieve your own dreams and goals?
- Do you feel prepared to face any unforseen obstacles along the way?
- Can you think of any other useful lifeboats to carry on your personal ship of dreams?
Comments
I too find it interesting how the story of the Titanic has captured our imagination, and I do wonder if part of it was because it was the maiden voyage of a ship that promised so much. Maybe in part it was also something to do with the scale of the luxury and oppulance that contrasts so starkly with the outcomes.
I like your idea of focusing on the present and living well now; because we never know what is ahead.
Even within the disaster of the Titanic, there is the inspiring story of Violet Constance Jessop who worked for the White Star Line and was on all three White Star Line disasters of the time:
1910: The collision of the Olympic in the Solent that nearly sank it.
1912: The sinking of the Titanic
1916: The torpedoing and sinking of the Britannic.
She lived to a ripe old age and died in her bed at home on dry land.
The lessons I learn from the Titanic is that you must live every day as if it is your last as one day you will be right.
And from Violet Constance Jessop that you must overcome your fears and continue to pursue your career and dreams whatever disasters befall you.
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