Day 6: Growing with Greatness - Journey through Strong Associations
in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Today we drove from Cody, Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota. The drive to Rapid City is about 380 miles and takes about six and a half hours. As part of the detour, I specifically want to visit the fifth man behind the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Upon arriving at the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, I was immediately struck by the monumental carvings of four of America's most influential presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. However, I was equally in awe of the vision and determination of the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum.
Borglum’s words resonate deeply with me: "This is the work that I love most, this intimate contact with the four men. As I become engrossed in the features and personality of each man, I feel myself growing in stature, just as they did when their characters grew and developed".
Borglum's connection to the figures he immortalized allowed him to grow with his subjects, absorbing their strength and vision. His work on Mount Rushmore confirms his belief in the profound influence of greatness. Similarly, I see that my growth has been greatly shaped by the strong, motivated, and A-player personalities with whom I have been fortunate to work. These individuals have provided me with invaluable lessons and inspiration through their exemplary character and relentless pursuit of excellence. Observing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs has instilled in me a sense of determination and the belief that growth is a continuous process of learning and self-improvement, even as I enter the second phase of my life.
Thirty-six years ago, when I was working as an international tour guide in Shanghai (as a side job), an elderly guest from the United States asked me my birthday. I told her it was February 22nd. She immediately declared, "That's the birthday of the founding father of our nation. You will be a great man!" Her words, perhaps just to show her great kindness to a Chinese young man (think of the moment who wants to visit China long before it opens up to the world), truly ignited a determination in me to strive for something great. This encounter, coupled with the influence of many strong personalities in my life's journey, shaped my journey to the United States and my subsequent personal and professional growth.
The people who have influenced me the most are those who embody resilience, integrity and vision. Their ability to overcome challenges with grace and their unwavering commitment to their goals have served as powerful examples. By associating with such people, I have learned the importance of setting high standards, maintaining focus, and continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This influence has now encouraged me to inspire and mentor others by creating a ripple effect of positive growth and development.
The visit to Mount Rushmore reinforced my belief in the transformative power of association. Just as Borglum grew in stature through his association with the four presidents, I have experienced tremendous growth by observing and learning from the strong, motivated individuals in my life. Their characters, much like the figures on Mount Rushmore, have been etched into my consciousness, guiding and shaping my development.
If you are one of those individuals in my past life, I would like to take this moment to thank you. If you are a reader who has been inspired and would like to be associated with me in the future, please subscribe to signal your intent.
I share this with my children, hoping someday they would appreciate the power of a role model and find inner drive for excellence.
Are you going to visit Badlands National Park?