By Noel Batten, The Path of Extraordinary Success and Self-Belief:
“Obstacles stand in our way only to test our resolve and our ability to rethink and reassess. Impenetrable walls are not the true reason for the inability to achieve certain goals. In fact, they are the reason why people who refuse to accept defeat discover their true potential and manage to go through, around, or over the wall…
A prominent figure who overcame incredible obstacles of resistance and misfortune to leave an indelible mark on history is Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. His personal story is a testament to the rewards of perseverance and humane deeds. His motto from his second inaugural address continues to be quoted to this day:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all.”
The Incredible Persistence of Abraham Lincoln (born 1809):
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1818: His mother died when he was only nine years old.
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1828: His sister died in childbirth when he was nineteen.
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1831: His father gave up on him, and he left home at twenty-one.
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1833: Failed in business.
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1835: Lost his childhood sweetheart.
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1836: Suffered a nervous breakdown.
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1842-1871: After marrying in 1842, he had four sons; three of them died before reaching adulthood (at ages 4, 12, and 18).
Obstacles in His Political Career:
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1832: Defeated for the State Legislature.
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1838: Defeated for Speaker.
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1843: Defeated for nomination for Congress.
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1848: Lost his re-election bid for Congress.
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1849: Rejected for a job as an officer in the Land Office.
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1854: Defeated for the U.S. Senate.
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1856: Defeated for the Vice-Presidential nomination.
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1858: Defeated for the U.S. Senate for the second time.
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1860: Elected the 16th President of the United States.”
— Noel Batten, The Path of Extraordinary Success and Self-Belief
