Discover the Unknown

In the last part of the 19th century, two brothers began to pick up the hobby of aviation.  They were curious by nature and would often go from one fancy to another.  They were printers, newspapermen and bicycle repairmen.  Orville and Wilber Wright were not your runs of the mill business people, they were curious about that which had not been achieved before, heavier than air human flight.  This dream was realized on a cold December day in 1903 on the dunes of Kitty Hawk, NC.  This was when the Wright Brothers took flight in their airplane, The Wright Flyer.

                Few were as amazed at their achievement as much as they were.  Orville was known to have once said, "Isn't it astonishing that all these secrets have been preserved for so many years just so we could discover them!"  Here is the even more amazing news - there are still secrets hidden waiting to be found.

                In this age of fast-moving technical advances, it is easy to think it has all been discovered and everything had been done.  After all, we have walked on the moon and searched the ocean floor; climbed the tallest mountains and zoomed around the earth faster than sound.  Yet, there are still many wonders that no person has discovered or even thought of - yet.

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

- Carl Sagan

(1934-1996)

American Astronomer/Author

                I believe that it is in the DNA of the success-minded person to desire to discover the unknown.  The key is not in what we do, but in what we are.  A study of history will show you that all those who made great discoveries have has certain traits in common.  No matter what field of science, education, medicinal, exploration or the arts, these four qualities were always present.  They can be - and I believe are - present with you.

#1) Be Curious

                " Look up at the stars and not down at your feet."  Said noted physicist, Stephen Hawking.  " Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious."  It is the curious mind that has unlocked so many of the wonders of the universe.  It is the curious mind that gave us the automobile, airplane, telephone, cell phone, computer, spaceships and the ships at sea.  In fact, there is nothing in your daily life that did not begin in the curious mind.  Of all the gifts that our Creator gave to the human mind, curiosity is the greatest.

#2) Be Aware

                Stop right now and close your eyes.  Now, describe what your surroundings look like.  If you are like most people, you really cannot.  If you are with your spouse or a fellow worker, turn your back to them and without looking, describe what they are wearing.  This may seem like a silly, unimportant exercise but it is very revealing.  The point is, we go through our lives very unaware of what is around us.  Pay attention to your life and the things that are going on.  In that awareness, you will find the keys to success and an advantage that nothing else can equal.

#3) Be Brave

                For those who seek to discover the unknown and to leave their mark on this world, they must possess the one thing that makes discovery possible; that is courage.  Those who are part of the astronaut program are some of the bravest people I know.  It is one thing to launch off on an earthly adventure, and another to be shot into space.  American astronaut, Ellen Ochoa said, " What everyone in the astronaut corps shares in common is not gender or ethnic background, but the motivation, perseverance, and desire - the desire to participate in a voyage of discovery."  If you want to have a real adventure, you must be willing to go beyond what you know.  You must be brave. 

#4) Be Active

                Nothing happens without action.  That is the reality of every adventure, quest or discovery.  If you are going to do great things you must be a person of action.  Throughout history, men and women who have made great discoveries, brought massive change or added great value to our lives had one thing in common, they were all people of action.  If you cannot get started, you will never finish.

                Allow me to close with the words of American designer, Nate Berkus who said, " You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things."  You were born for greatness and to make a discovery that has been hidden from the beginning of time - just for you to discover.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve your dreams.  

© 2019 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.