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“While studying at university, Frederick W. Smith wrote a paper describing a bold idea: a company that would deliver packages overnight using a central hub and its own fleet of aircraft.
The concept was criticised. It reportedly received a poor grade.
Many people would have quietly let the idea die.
He didn’t.
He believed in it.
The Pain Before the Breakthrough
The early years of FedEx were not glamorous. They were frightening.
Money was running out.
Planes were almost grounded.
Fuel bills were unpaid.
Staff wages were uncertain.
Each morning began with the same heavy question:
“How do we survive today?”
Investors doubted him. Friends advised him to quit. Competitors mocked the idea.
The pressure was relentless.
There were moments when the company had only enough cash left for a few days. Imagine carrying responsibility for hundreds of employees while knowing everything could collapse at any moment.
Sleep was hard. Confidence was fragile. Fear was constant.
Many leaders would have walked away.
He didn’t.
He focused on one problem at a time.
One invoice.
One customer.
One aircraft.
One day.
Slowly, painfully, things began to improve.
Customers returned. Revenue steadied. Confidence grew.
Today, FedEx is a global logistics company connecting millions of people and businesses worldwide.
But that success was built on years of uncertainty, exhaustion, and persistence”.
Why This Story Matters
We often admire success when it is polished and complete. We see the trucks, the planes, the logo, the global reach.
What we don’t see are the nights of worry, the criticism, the near-failures, and the quiet determination to keep going.
Resilience is rarely dramatic.
It is usually quiet, steady progress when quitting would be easier.
This has been very real for me recently.
After my first shoulder operation three months ago failed, the tendon was worse than before. The pain was constant, sleep was difficult, and I wondered how I would continue working and travelling.
Three weeks ago, I had a second operation, which thankfully seems to have gone much better. I am still early in recovery and taking things carefully, but I am hopeful again.
Like Fred Smith, the only way forward has been one small step at a time:
One physio exercise.
One conversation that lifted me.
One small task completed.
One encouraging email.
One small win.
One step forward.
Slow progress, but real progress.
Key Learnings
1. Criticism often greets originality
New ideas can sound strange at first. Early rejection does not mean an idea is wrong. It may simply mean it is new.
2. Big success is built on small steps
The company did not recover overnight. It improved by solving one problem at a time. Progress is often patient, not spectacular.
3. Belief must outlast doubt
There were many moments when giving up would have been easier. Success often belongs to those who stay one step longer than fear.
Great achievements are rarely born from perfect conditions.
They come from persistence in imperfect moments.
From courage on difficult days.
From belief when others doubt.
And sometimes, from simply keeping one more plane in the air.
Thoughts for the Week
- What idea have you dismissed because someone criticised it? It may still be worth exploring.
- What is one small problem you can solve today? Focus on the next step, not the whole mountain.
- Who around you needs encouragement right now? A kind word can help someone keep going.
Well, that’s it for this week.
Have a wonderful week ahead, and keep believing.
Warm regards,
John
https://jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/
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