The Sunshine Report It Takes Grit to Succeed ‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of grit and determination in ‘making a way,’ especially in moments where it is difficult to find a successful path forward.’ Special video credits to Julie Pendleton. It’s tempting to look for the perfect time – when all the circumstances seem to be lining up in your favor. Setting you up so neatly for success. So, you wait and wait – but the time never seems to be entirely perfect. You’re looking to find the time, find the way – and it’s just not to be found. Unfortunately, the reality is that if you continue to wait – the time and the perfect way most likely will never arrive. So, to be successful in this world, you need to have grit – the determination that says, ‘If I can’t find a way, I will make one!’ In the pursuit of our dreams and ambitions, life often presents us with challenges and circumstances that may appear insurmountable. It is during these moments of adversity that the qualities of grit and drive shine the brightest. Grit and drive are the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals to push forward, even when faced with less-than-ideal situations. One of the most compelling examples of grit and drive in action is the story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani advocate for girls' education. Growing up in the Swat Valley, a region fraught with Taliban oppression and hostility towards female education, Malala could have easily succumbed to the prevailing circumstances. However, her unwavering determination to receive an education and empower other girls in her community led her to become a global symbol of resilience. Malala's courageous journey, despite facing life-threatening adversity, underscores the importance of grit and drive in forging a path to success. So, too, entrepreneurs are no strangers to setbacks and unfavorable conditions. One notable story is that of Elon Musk, the visionary behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla. During SpaceX's early years, the company faced multiple failures, including three rocket launch failures that brought it to the brink of bankruptcy. Musk's unyielding determination and belief in the importance of space exploration pushed him to invest his personal fortune to keep SpaceX afloat. Today, SpaceX is a leading player in the aerospace industry, thanks to Musk's extraordinary grit and drive to succeed against all odds. In the realm of sports, few stories exemplify grit and drive better than the journey of Michael Jordan. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan faced numerous obstacles and rejections throughout his career. Most notably, he was cut from his high school basketball team as a sophomore. However, instead of giving up, Jordan used this setback as motivation to work harder and become the best player he could be. His relentless drive not only earned him a spot on the team but also propelled him to win six NBA championships and five MVP awards. Jordan's story is a testament to the idea that success often requires pushing through adversity and setbacks with unwavering determination. In other words, ‘making your way,’ especially when no viable way seems apparent. Grit and drive are not limited to the realm of celebrities or extraordinary circumstances. They are qualities that can be cultivated in our everyday lives. When faced with personal or professional challenges, individuals who exhibit grit and drive are more likely to persevere and find solutions. Whether it's navigating a difficult career transition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or pursuing a passion project, the ability to stay committed and resilient in the face of adversity is a valuable asset. In the face of challenging circumstances, the importance of grit and drive cannot be overstated. Real-life stories like those of Malala Yousafzai, Elon Musk, and Michael Jordan demonstrate how these qualities can turn adversity into opportunity and lead to remarkable success. Whether in education, entrepreneurship, sports, or everyday life, grit and drive are the driving forces behind those who refuse to be deterred by setbacks. They remind us that even when the path seems uncertain, forging ahead with determination and resilience can ultimately lead to the achievement of our goals and dreams. Read The Report Pioneers with Grit and Determination – Right Here in New Hampshire Read More Inventor Pioneers – Choosing to ‘Make a Way!’ Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Brendan Keegan: Triumphing Over Adversity This week we are delighted to highlight the efforts of a successful business leader right here in the Granite State - Brendan P. Keegan, Chairman, CEO & President of Merchants Fleet. Brendan has proven time and again that adversity is simply a stepping-stone to success. With a career spanning multiple industries, his journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in the business world is a testament to his resilience and innovative leadership. From his early days as a systems engineer at EDS, Brendan rapidly climbed the corporate ladder, ultimately becoming the youngest Chief Sales Officer at a Fortune 100 company. His rise to the top was marked by his ability to transform businesses, raise capital, develop strategies, and drive revenue growth, all while creating substantial value for investors. Keegan's track record speaks volumes, with nearly $5.0 billion raised in capital and over $10.0 billion returned to investors. His accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. He has been recognized as the world's Most Innovative CEO by CEO World Awards®, Executive of the Year by Best in Biz Awards, and Visionary of the Year by Globee Awards, among many others. Under his leadership, Merchants Fleet has achieved impressive milestones, including being named a two-time Inc 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company and a Deloitte Best Managed Company. However, Brendan Keegan's journey to success goes beyond the boardroom. He has faced adversity since the day he was born, entering the world prematurely and fighting for his life. This early battle with adversity planted the seeds of resilience and fearlessness that have defined his leadership style. As the CEO of Merchants Fleet, Keegan's innovative vision has propelled the company into a new era, pioneering the concept of FleetTech. He recognized the potential for growth in the fleet industry and set out to transform the company's business model. This bold move has positioned Merchants Fleet as the fastest-growing fleet management company in North America. Keegan's commitment to giving back to the community is equally impressive. Alongside his wife Dana, he founded the Keegan Courage & Faith Foundation, with the aim of donating one million dollars to youth programs. Their contributions include funding the Keegan Leadership Center at Bishop Guertin High School and the Barbara Keegan Arts Center at St. Christopher's School, among others. Looking ahead, Keegan envisions continued growth and innovation for Merchants Fleet, with a focus on enabling the movement of people, goods, and services while providing exceptional service and flexibility. His passion for technology and innovation ensures that the company will remain at the forefront of the fleet management industry. In addition to his business endeavors, Brendan Keegan is dedicated to mentoring and coaching emerging leaders. He believes that leadership is a daily decision and that anyone can become a leader with the right guidance and determination. As he looks forward to his future, Keegan plans to share his wealth of experience by sitting on boards and helping entrepreneurs achieve their business objectives. Brendan Keegan's life story is a testament to his ability to face adversity head-on and emerge victorious. As a fearless leader, he has not only transformed businesses but also inspired countless individuals to conquer their fears and lead fearlessly in the ever-changing business landscape. With a bright future ahead, Brendan Keegan's impact on the business world and the next generation of leaders is bound to be profound. Brendan, we express our deep appreciation and say ‘thank you’ for your many positive efforts and contributions to our community and beyond! Quote of the Week "When you can't find a way, create one." - Napoleon Bonaparte     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]