In every moment of human history, we find examples of people, nations, and communities striving for goals that, to many, seemed impossible. From exploring the unknown to pushing the boundaries of what we believe is achievable, the act of trying itself often carries deeper significance than the outcome. This belief in the power of effort, in the value of striving for growth itself, is what transforms individuals, companies, nations, and humanity as a whole. Even when success feels out of reach, the process of trying enriches us. We grow in courage, in wisdom, and in resilience.
Space Shuttle Challenger and John F. Kennedy's bold vision for space exploration. Both serve as reminders that, even when we face failure or an uncertain outcome, our willingness to push forward is what leads to growth — as individuals and as a collective society.
The Challenger Story: Courage in the Face of the Unknown
On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, resulting in the tragic loss of seven crew members, including the first civilian in space, teacher Christa McAuliffe. This disaster shook the world, leaving many to question the future of space exploration. Yet, the Challenger mission was not just about reaching space — it was about pushing boundaries, trying something new, and believing that humanity must continue to explore, no matter the risks.
Those involved in the Challenger mission knew that space exploration was fraught with danger. They knew that success might not be achieved within their generation, or even the next. But they pressed on because they believed that trying — even in the face of possible failure — was essential.
The astronauts were not just trying to reach space for the sake of achievement; they were contributing to something larger. They were part of a legacy of growth, of expanding human potential. The Challenger disaster, while heartbreaking, did not halt our progress. NASA and the world mourned, learned from the tragedy, and continued to move forward with space exploration.
Why? Because the very act of trying teaches us invaluable lessons. We grow from our attempts, no matter the outcome. In Challenger’s case, the lessons learned from the disaster led to more than just improved safety measures — they reshaped NASA’s internal culture into one that values honesty, transparency, and open communication. Following the disaster, NASA implemented the NASA Safety Reporting System (NSRS), allowing employees and contractors to anonymously report safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Additionally, NASA embraced a new No-Go culture, empowering every individual involved in a mission to stop a launch if any safety risks arise. These changes reflect a deeper commitment to fostering a more open, honest environment, where the safety of missions and growth through learning are prioritized above all else.
JFK's Vision: A Goal Beyond Generations
In 1962, John F. Kennedy gave one of the most inspiring speeches in American history at Rice University. His bold vision to send a man to the moon was not just about winning the space race — it was about inspiring a nation to strive for something seemingly unreachable. JFK famously said:
"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win."
Kennedy knew that sending a man to the moon might not be something that his generation would see completed. He understood that the magnitude of the task was immense — it might take years, even decades, of trial and error. But the goal was not simply to put a man on the moon; it was to push humanity forward, to stretch the boundaries of what was possible, and to fuel the growth of a nation.
Growth for the Sake of Growth
Both the Challenger story and JFK’s vision for space exploration illustrate a common truth: trying matters. Even when success is not guaranteed, and even when the final achievement may be out of reach, growth happens in the process. We grow as people, as communities, as companies, and as nations when we believe in growth itself.
For an individual, believing in growth might mean setting a goal that feels far beyond your current capabilities, knowing that the journey toward that goal will change you. For a company, it might mean pursuing innovation that feels risky, knowing that failure is a possibility, but that growth will come from the effort. For humanity, it means working toward grand goals — like exploring space — because the process of trying pushes us forward, even if we don’t see immediate success.
Growth Is the Legacy
The legacies of the Challenger astronauts and John F. Kennedy’s vision remind us that believing in growth is as important as believing in success. Our efforts may not yield immediate results, but they pave the way for future achievements. Each step we take toward a seemingly unreachable goal brings us closer to realizing our potential.
So, whether in your personal life, your career, or as part of a larger community or nation, remember that the value lies not just in achieving, but in striving. It’s the act of trying, of pushing beyond comfort and safety, that makes us grow.
In the words of JFK: "We choose to go to the Moon... not because they are easy, but because they are hard." It is the challenge itself, the belief in growth itself, that shapes our future.