“Obviously I faced the possibility of not returning when first I considered going. Once faced and settled there really wasn’t any good reason to refer to it.”
- July 24, 1897 – July 2, 1937
- American
- Air pilot
- First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and set many aviation records
Quote
“Obviously I faced the possibility of not returning when first I considered going. Once faced and settled there really wasn’t any good reason to refer to it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Amelia Earhart reflects on the reality and risk inherent in her ambitious endeavors, particularly her solo flights. When she decided to embark on her pioneering journeys, including her famous flight across the Atlantic, she knew that there was a chance she might not return—an unavoidable risk of flying in uncharted territories and without the support systems we have today. However, once she confronted this possibility and accepted it, it became an irrelevant factor in her decision-making. For Earhart, the focus shifted from the fear of failure or death to the purpose of the journey itself—the exploration, the achievement, and the advancement of aviation.
Earhart’s approach here reflects a profound sense of mental fortitude and clarity. By acknowledging the potential dangers upfront and settling the fear of the unknown, she was able to free herself from the paralyzing effects of worry or doubt. This mindset allowed her to carry on with the task at hand, without being bogged down by the possibility of failure. The key message is that once we accept inevitable risks or uncertainties in any undertaking, there’s no point in dwelling on them. This acceptance of risk allows us to focus on the present and the actions that will bring us closer to our goals.
This quote resonates deeply in modern contexts, where people often face fear of failure or uncertainty when pursuing big goals. Whether in business, personal development, or even relationships, acknowledging the potential for failure or challenges upfront can often help individuals move forward with a clearer sense of purpose and determination. Earhart’s words encourage us to confront our fears, accept them, and then move past them, understanding that the real reward lies in the pursuit itself, not in the avoidance of failure. Once the risks are acknowledged and accepted, the path forward becomes clearer and easier to navigate.
