I just came across a great article in the Seattle Times about a 12 year old girl, Kris Ludwig, who wanted to become an oceanographer. So in 1989, she wrote a letter to Robert Ballard, famous for his discovery of the Titanic in 1985, asking him what she needed to do and to her surprise he wrote back advising her to “get good grades in math and science and to study oceanography in graduate school.” Years later, in 1993, she ended up joining Ballard’s team for an expedition and continues to work in the field today.
This is a great example of the old saying–it never hurts to try. Many would just assume that someone of Robert Ballard’s status would be too busy to answer a letter, so they wouldn’t bother trying, and their quest would end there. But those that send a letter with the attitude of, it never hurts to try, may end up pleasantly surprised. Just think of how this little girl’s dream came true, all because she tried.
Stop and think about what you really want to do. What is your dream? If you catch yourself saying, I can’t do this because…, stop and remember this story. Ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen if I try?