Resolute Conviction and Superior Power…
Karen and Jay share their excitement about the benefits of having a ‘can-do’ mentality!
Have you ever found yourself in a state of total belief? Feeling as though you are virtually certain of achieving a result? This is the essence of possessing a ‘can-do’ mentality. It’s all about belief – developing an honest, deep-down certainty. If you can get yourself into this kind of mindset – all is truly possible! Your mental state generates a confidence that you can actually feel – and in so doing, spurs you into action. Action – backed by resolute conviction and superior power. A virtuous cycle ensues.
The power of a 'can do' mentality is a force that propels individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and shape events according to their vision and determination. This mindset is characterized by a steadfast belief in one's ability to succeed, even in the face of skepticism or adversity from others. Those with a 'can do' attitude possess resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take initiative, which enables them to navigate challenges and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and achievement.
Throughout history, numerous examples illustrate the transformative impact of a 'can do' mentality in shaping events and driving progress. One such example is the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Despite facing immense technical challenges and the daunting task of reaching the moon, NASA engineers and astronauts embraced a 'can do' attitude, fueled by President John F. Kennedy's ambitious vision to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. Through ingenuity, collaboration, and sheer determination, they successfully accomplished this monumental feat, demonstrating the power of human innovation and perseverance.
Similarly, the construction of the Panama Canal stands as a testament to the power of a 'can do' mentality to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In the early 20th century, engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps and later, American engineer John Frank Stevens, faced numerous challenges, including harsh terrain, disease, and financial constraints. Despite skepticism and setbacks, they pressed forward with determination, employing innovative engineering solutions and organizational strategies to complete the canal, which revolutionized global trade and navigation.
While these are well-known historical examples, the truth is that the development of a ‘can do’ mentality’ can have a transformative effect for each of us in our common everyday lives. It can make all the difference. So, with this in mind, I encourage each of us to spend some time and energy trying to figure how to best achieve this ‘can-do’ mindset for ourselves – on as consistent a basis as we possibly can – and set ourselves on a course of enjoying the enormous benefits that can be achieved.
What a ‘Can-Do’ Mentality - Can Do – to Honor Veterans…
In this week’s theme of the Can-Do Mentality, we are going to spotlight one of the landmarks mentioned last week and how it came to be. The enactment of state laws in 1997 created the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. Brigadier General John Blair convened a group called the New Hampshire State Veterans Council, which met quarterly to discuss all things related to the cemetery.
In May of 2000, it was determined that a non-profit needed to be formed to collect and manage donations to keep it running while also expanding the cemetery. In February of 2001, the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery was formed and in the more than 20 years since, here are a few of their accomplishments:
Designed, raised funds, and built the 20 points of the NH Military History Walkway
Commissioned and installed stained glass windows in the Chapel
Received donated funds for and purchased a 1-ton utility dump truck
Facilitated and provided funding for the construction of the NH Veterans Heritage Learning Center
Fundraising and oversight of the design & installation of exhibits for the Veterans Heritage Learning Center
Conducts public fundraising activities and has become a recipient of the annual State Employees Charitable Campaign and other employee charitable campaigns
Every detail of maintaining this cemetery with both the buildings and beautiful landscaping, running events, and the placement of flags, wreaths, and more doesn’t just magically happen. It’s thanks to a Can-Do Mentality. This was true in forming the NHSVC in the first place and holds true today, starting with the leadership of Shawn Buck, Director.
In his impressive 21-year career with the US Army, starting as a Second Lieutenant, Shawn served in a plethora of roles. From being an Infantry Officer in Korea, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to serving as Assistant Professor of Economics at West Point, and many other assignments. He is Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger qualified. Each of these incredible accomplishments exemplifies the Can-Do Mentality. This spirit of putting in the effort to get things done runs through the whole organization. Whether it’s Gold Star Spouses Day, Memorial Day, and other holidays, or the internment of a fallen Patriot or eligible dependent, the NH State Veterans Cemetery is a benchmark of how organizations should be run.
Thank you, Director Buck, for your service in uniform and continued service in your current role and thank you to your team of employees and volunteers as well. You can learn more about the cemetery at https://www.nhsvc.com The non-profit is located at https://www.nhvca.org.
It Just Took Some Time, Perseverance, and ‘Can-Do’ Belief!
We at the Sunshine Initiative are tremendously proud of an achievement in my hometown of Newport, New Hampshire that is truly a testament to the power of a ‘Can-Do’ Mentality. It took over 30 years for the new Newport Community Center to come to fruition. But despite financial or planning setbacks, the Town of Newport has persevered and will soon have its ideal Community Center up and running. We could not be more excited!
The town for over 50 years has used the old State Armory building as the Recreation Center, but the town has outgrown it while in the process making numerous plans for a new one. Throughout those years the community has stayed steadfast in fundraising privately for most of the required monies needed, and with the assistance of some federal earmarked funds, the groundbreaking of the new site of this ‘state of the art’ community center several months ago was a long time coming.
As reported by the Eagle Times, Interim town manager Paul Brown said in his opening statement at the ground-breaking, “This facility will not only be a physical structure, but a symbol of collaboration and shared aspirations. Together we will build a space where ideas flourish, friendships develop and deepen, and the bonds that tie us together grow even stronger.”
The Town of Newport has navigated the twists and turns over the last more than 30 years to get this community center to be just right for the community and is on its way to doing just that!
Positive Profile of the Week: Caitlin Clark: Embracing the Challenge
This week we are delighted to highlight the character and achievements of an outstanding young woman. Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes' star point guard, has established herself not only as a prolific scorer but also as a player defined by her unwavering ‘can-do’ mentality. This attitude manifests both on and off the court, shaping her approach to the game and inspiring her teammates and fans.
On the court, Clark's ‘can-do’ spirit translates to a fearless and aggressive playing style. She isn't afraid to take big shots, even in pressure situations. This confidence, coupled with her exceptional skill set, has made her a scoring machine, shattering numerous program records and garnering national recognition. She is now the all-time points scorer for both men and women in NCAA history!
Beyond her individual brilliance, Clark's ‘can-do’ mentality extends to her leadership. She consistently motivates her teammates, fostering a belief in their collective ability to overcome any obstacle. This positivity creates a strong team culture, where challenges are embraced rather than feared.
Clark's ‘can-do’ attitude isn't limited to the basketball court. She actively engages with the community, using her platform to inspire young people, particularly young girls, to pursue their dreams with confidence and perseverance.
Caitlin Clark's ‘can-do mentality is a defining feature of her personality and playing style. It fuels her individual success, empowers her teammates, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and beyond. Thank you, Caitlin, for being a ray of sunshine in our world!
Quotes of the Week: ‘Can-Do’ Mentality
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." - Tommy Lasorda
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt