When I was in college I was a door to door salesman for three summers for Southwestern. I know, this role wasn’t perceived as a “dream job” back then – or now for that matter. But I learned some incredibly valuable lessons that forty plus years later, have served me well.
One of those was about the value of persistence. We were warned there would be those days when nothing would appear to be going right. Days where you wondered whether you should just quit or give up. So, as an antidote we were taught to feed ourselves positive thoughts, thoughts that would help us press on and ultimately reach our goals.
That is why, to this day, one of my favorite quotes comes from Calvin Coolidge, that reminds us that “Nothing Can Take the Place of Persistence.”
Having read it countless times, I can almost cite that quotation verbatim. With that thought in mind, I’d like to introduce you to Chris Nikic, an individual who truly embodies the spirit of being persistent.
Chris Nikic is an Ironman. For those that are not familiar, an Ironman is someone who completes a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon run – and they do it in under 17 hours.
What makes his story unique is that he is the first individual with Down Syndrome to earn the Ironman title. At 17, Chris could barely swim, ride a bike, or even run. In short, he wasn’t proficient in any of the things you need to be good at to even compete in a triathlon.
But after his dad found out about a Special Olympics Triathlon program, he shared his vision with Chris who then decided he would become an Ironman. So with the support of an incredible family, the journey began.
As I watched this video, some very important principles came to light - even if we don’t plan on competing in an Ironman Competition.
First, Chris and his dad came up with a plan that was based on being committed to training and getting 1% better each and every day. Chris and his team understood that realizing his dream was going to take time - in this case, 10 months, for Chris to be able to compete.
Second, Chris and his dad were willing to ask for help. So they reached out to a great coach, Dan Grieb, who agreed to help train Chris to compete in the competition.
Third, Chris was willing to do the work to become an Ironman. During the ten month training period, Chris was training 13 out of every 14 days.
Fourth, when Chris experienced adversity, he didn’t let the adversity define or overwhelm him. For example, during the competition, he crashed his bike, experienced the stings and pain of stepping on a hill of fire ants, and he hit the proverbial “wall” during the marathon. But he pressed on and manifested the spirit reflected in Edgar Guest’s classic poem "Don’t Quit!"
Finally, Chris recognized that as the first Ironman with Down Syndrome, he had a commitment to “pass it on and serve others.” In short, Chris’s story has inspired others with Down Syndrome to accomplish great things.
For example, Chris inspired another Down Syndrome individual, Caleb Prewitt, to knock off the shackles so that he too can be an Ironman someday. As Caleb’s mom noted, when Chris crossed the finish line, “it felt like in that moment he was carrying the Down Syndrome community on his shoulders. I think about the impact that Chris has had on Caleb's life alone, and I just know that he's inspiring thousands of others in their own unique journeys.”
What was the inspirational advice that Chris gave to Caleb? "Just work hard, be yourself, be in the moment." Additionally, Chris was encouraging Caleb to: "Always be 1 percent better, each and every day.”
Reading the story about Chris caused me to stop and ponder about the “Triathlon” moments in our lives. It may not involve open water swims, long bike rides and a marathon. It may just be overcoming some fear or obstacle that is keeping us from experiencing peace and joy in our lives.
If so, perhaps we can all be encouraged by reading these words from Calvin Coolidge's famous quote:
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
And for those who are wondering if it is worth the effort, perhaps these words from Thessalonians will further encourage you: “Be not be weary in well doing.”
