We Choose To Go To The Moon!

'Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of setting challenging, and sometimes even seemingly impossible goals, in order to advance and grow.'

As humans, it’s in our nature to explore, to push ourselves, to challenge our capabilities, to continually grow. To choose goals not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

With this thought in mind, recently I had the great good fortune of viewing a clip from President John F. Kennedy’s speech at Rice University in 1962, where he announced the goal of a manned landing on the moon within the decade. It’s known as the ‘Go to the Moon’ speech, and it’s so incredibly inspiring. In fact, I urge you to click on this link below and feel the emotion and excitement of setting this seemingly impossible goal for the nation.

As the young President said in his speech,

“We shall send to the moon 240,000 miles away, a giant rocket, more than 300 feet tall on an untried mission to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to Earth. But why some say the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask, why climb the highest mountain? Why 35 years ago fly the Atlantic? We choose to go to the moon. We chose to go to the moon. 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're willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. And therefore, as we set sail, we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure that man has ever gone.”

His words encapsulate a profound truth about human progress and achievement. The ‘Go to the Moon’ speech wasn't merely a declaration of a national goal; it was a statement on the very nature of ambition. The seemingly impossible challenges we undertake—those that push us beyond our perceived limits—are the ones that ultimately forge our character and define our legacy. Kennedy's emphasis on the inherent difficulty of the moon landing wasn't meant to discourage, but rather to inspire a sense of awe and the determination needed to overcome formidable obstacles.

The inherent difficulty in the task of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade served to focus and organize the best scientific, engineering and logistical minds of a generation. The sheer magnitude of the challenge spurred innovation and collaboration on an unprecedented scale, leading to technological advancements that had ripple effects across numerous fields, far beyond space exploration. This echoes the sentiments of Kennedy's speech, highlighting how choosing a difficult goal can galvanize resources and creativity in ways that easier objectives simply cannot.

This principle extends far beyond the Apollo program. Elon Musk's ambitious goal of establishing self-sustaining human colonies on Mars by 2050 perfectly exemplifies Kennedy's philosophy. The sheer scale of the endeavor—the technological hurdles, the logistical complexities, the immense financial investment—is daunting. Yet, this audacious goal, precisely because of its inherent difficulty, serves as a catalyst for innovation and pushes the boundaries of human capability in fields such as rocketry, robotics, life support systems, and sustainable resource management.

The human spirit thrives on challenges. Our history is a testament to our inherent drive to explore, to push boundaries, and to conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. From scaling the highest mountains to charting unmapped oceans to venturing into the vast expanse of space, our greatest achievements have stemmed from our willingness to take on what initially seems impossible. As Kennedy eloquently stated, it is the hard things, the difficult challenges, that ultimately organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.

This inherent desire to push limits is not just a characteristic of a few exceptional individuals like Kennedy or Musk, it's woven into the fabric of our species. The desire to explore, to discover, to conquer, to push boundaries is a fundamental human drive. By striving for what seems unattainable, we not only achieve extraordinary feats, but we also undergo a profound transformation, developing resilience, ingenuity, and a deeper understanding of our own potential. The challenges we face, and our success in overcoming them, are what ultimately shape us and define our character.

This week we are delighted to highlight a native New Hampshire entrepreneur with family heritage linked to the Granite State - Suzanne Foley of Port City Pretzels!

Suzanne is the embodiment of perseverance and grit. Throughout her life, she has shown what it means to do things because they are hard. At age 60, Suzanne found herself at a crossroads; She unexpectedly became unemployed and was struggling to get back on her feet. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she turned her thoughts to family and better times. Drawing inspiration from cherished family pretzel recipes and a deep appreciation for her New Hampshire roots, Suzanne founded Port City Pretzels. She started the brand from scratch and infused it with everything she believes is important in life.

Suzanne continues to show what it means to do things because they are hard through her business practices. Her mission for Port City Pretzels goes beyond creating delicious snacks; it is rooted in inclusivity and community. When it became time to expand and hire more employees for pretzel production, she looked in a non-traditional direction.

Through non-profit state organizations such as Easterseals New Hampshire and Project SEARCH, Suzanne offered employment opportunities to people with disabilities. She ensures that her company continues to reflect her values of opportunity and dignity for all. In doing so, she’s fostered an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and succeed.

At this point, Port City Pretzels is experiencing healthy and sustainable growth throughout the country. She could look to pivot, integrate more automation, or outsource warehouse jobs to “increase output”, but Suzanne believes that the impact and connections she’s made with her staff are more valuable than anything, exemplifying what it means to do things because they are hard.

Suzanne’s family heritage spans decades and decades throughout New Hampshire’s political history. Her relatives, Mary Dondero and Eileen Foley, were both pioneers within New Hampshire politics throughout their lives.

Mary became New Hampshire’s first female mayor, taking office in Portsmouth in 1945 in the midst of World War 2. Eileen, daughter of Mary, followed her mother’s footsteps into Portsmouth politics, serving as the mayor of Portsmouth for 8 terms, first serving in 1968. Portraits of Eileen and Mary now hang side-by-side in Portsmouth City Hall.

Suzanne Foley’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to dream big or to take on the hard things that truly matter. Through her resilience, creativity, and commitment to her mission, Suzanne has created not just a business, but a lasting impact on her community and beyond. Suzanne’s remarkable journey embodies the spirit of tackling challenges – not because they are easy – but - because they are hard!

Quote of the Week

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

Nelson Mandela