Perspective

I had an article published in the highly influential Connect IT today. It is on Time Management and Procrastination. The title is "Seven ways to beat procrastination".

Tonight I heard Nando Parrado speak for the second time at a YPO event tonight. His story is incredibly powerful and moving. From Wikipedia:

"Fernando Seler "Nando" Parrado (December 9, 1949 - ) is one of the sixteen Uruguayan survivors of the airplane crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 which crashed in the Andes mountains on October 13, 1972. After spending two months trapped in the mountains with the other crash survivors, he, along with Roberto Canessa, climbed through the Andes mountains over a ten day period to find help. His efforts, supported in various ways by the entire group, have been recognized through books and other media."

His mother and sister died in the crash. The story stuck a chord worldwide at the time because of the cannibalism involved to survive.

I did get a copy of his book "Miracle in the Andes". Have not read it yet though.

I was impressed with how Nando seems to have not only survived but lived without bitterness. I was impressed by the great power of the human will and the survival instinct.

His message is that he is not a hero. His message is that family and friends are paramount. His message is think about what is truly important.

Mostly it put things in perspective. Although I may think I have problems, everything is relative.