How History’s Great Missions Inspire Us

President John F. Kennedy announced the United States would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. He said that in 1962. In 1969, the first astronauts landed on the moon.

President Abraham Lincoln stated his main objective was to save the Union. The North and the South were killing each other… literally. State after state had seceded from the Union. This great experiment of democracy was on the verge of failing. It wasn’t easy and it came at the cost of many lives, but Lincoln saved the Union and in the process set free a people.

Steve Jobs had several different missions. He wanted to create computers that could sit on desks. He then had a vision for a phone that you could take anywhere. Jobs wanted you to be able to carry music in your pocket. He did it. He led Apple to create products that revolutionized industries.

Rachel Carson became concerned about pesticides being introduced in the food supply. Her research led to the ban of DDT and other harmful pesticides. She dedicated her life to this passion and in so doing improved the lives of millions.

Ever heard of a guy named Moses? He’s a character from the Bible’s Old Testament. The people of Israel were in slavery to the nation of Egypt. Moses shows up and tells Israel they will be set free, and they’ll go to a land of freedom. That place was called Canaan. It was then Moses had one goal and that was to get the people to Canaan. History tells us Moses was successful.

Having a purpose matters. When you have a purpose, you see beyond yourself. A mission allows you and the team to pursue a worthy goal that creates fulfillment and joy.

Kennedy, Lincoln, Jobs, Carson, and Moses — they didn’t waste their lives. Because of them, the world is a better place. Lives have improved. People are free. We’re more efficient and have the tools to improve the lives of others.

Having a purpose and a mission is nothing new. Your commitment and dedication to the mission must be renewed each day. You must surrender independent and selfish ideas to the overarching mission. If we don’t, we make it all about us and not about our purpose.

Kennedy could have played it small. Lincoln could have said, “This isn’t my problem,” and passed the buck to Congress and the states. Jobs could have worked on a factory floor and avoided the late nights of trying to create. Carson had the opportunity to avoid all the scrutiny and ridicule. Moses made the choice to leave the comfort of the palace.

But every single one of these individuals pursued a mission that was greater than themselves. Thanks to them, we’re better today than we were in the past.

At EAG, we’ve decided to follow a mission that is bigger than any single one of us. We’re here to create unparalleled experiences. What those experiences will do in the lives of people we can only imagine. From hope to inspiration, these unparalleled experiences will support and brighten the lives of those who interact with what we create.

Let’s be like these great leaders from history. May we never abandon our purpose, and let’s be known for giving our all toward the mission. When we do, others will be impacted, and they’ll have experiences that create unforgettable memories.

Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,
Chris Adams

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