In 2012, I attended an annual corporate meeting. It was 7 PM, and I was waiting for the dinner announcement after a long day of presentations. Before dinner, there was a motivational speech, and while I expected a boring talk, what happened was completely different. It turned out to be one of the most amazing evenings.
I got an opportunity to listen to one most inspiring and adventures person in my life : Miles Hilton-Barber.
Miles has undertaken over 20 adventures and set numerous world records. Here are a few:
- Completed toughest footrace on earth, 150-mile marathon across the Sahara Desert.
- Completed coldest marathon in Siberia
- Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching 17,500 feet in the Himalayas.
- Completed a 55-day, 21,000 km microlight flight from London to Sydney.
- Travelled 38,000 miles around the world using 80 different forms of transport.
- Achieved 50,000 feet in 90 seconds, breaking the sound barrier.
- Cage-dived with sharks.
He was not first person to do these adventures. So, what sets him apart. What makes his story truly extraordinary is that he achieved all of these remarkable feats after losing his eyesight. Yes, he was completely blind when he undertook these daunting adventures.
How he did it and why?
Miles lost his eyesight in his early 20s due to a genetic disease. Initially, he gave up on life and believed he could never live normally. A few years later, his brother accomplished a seemingly impossible task, fundamentally changing the course of young Miles’ life. He realized that while he couldn’t control his blindness, he could control his response to it. In his own words, “I had two choices: remain dependent on others for the rest of my life or take control of my own life. I chose the second.”
You may wonder, why does he do all this? He has two noble motives:
- To raise money for his charitable organization.
- To send a message to the world: “Don’t limit yourself. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams.”
One of the most remarkable things he said in his speech was, “I am not blind because I have a vision.”
When facing multiple problems, I think of Miles. If I feel overwhelmed or scared, I remember his journey.
I have takeaways from Miles’ session pinned on my desk
- Do new things; be interesting. Doing new things builds confidence.
- What goes in your mind is crucial.
- Your attitude and outlook go with you everywhere.
- Look at your goals and not your circumstances.
- If you have not tried, you have failed already.
- Failure is temporary thing, giving up makes it permanent.
- God doesn’t expect you to do more than your best.
- Your limits are the ones you accept.
- You are as big as your dreams; Dream > Decision > Plan > Perseverance.
- Sight without vision is blindness.
- FEAR means “False Evidence Appearing Real.”
Reflecting on Miles’ incredible journey motivates us to examine our own challenges.
Are your problems bigger than the ones young ‘Miles’ faced?
What choices do you have as of now?
Do you have a vision?
Think!!!
Ref: www.mileshiltonbarber.com
Linkedin summary
Twelve years ago, at a corporate event, I heard the most amazing life story of Miles Hilton-Barber, highlighting his ability to overcome challenges while setting world records. I’m sure for most readers, this story will be unheard of, encouraging them to confront their own obstacles, embrace resilience, and pursue their dreams. Happy reading!
#LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #DreamBig #Inspiration #Resilience
