An Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the IMPOSSIBLE | Mike Massimino

What drives us to pursue impossible dreams, fail repeatedly, and keep trying?
Our guest, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, truly embodies the spirit of never giving up.
Despite a fear of heights, bad eyesight, multiple rejections from NASA, and other setbacks, Mike's unwavering determination led him to perform heroic spacewalks to repair the Hubble Telescope and to send the first-ever Tweet from beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
But how did he maintain his persistence? What psychological skills did Mike need to master to face down failure after failure and keep reaching higher?
This conversation isn't just about outer space; it's about the space within us all that holds the power of persistence, teamwork, and awe.
Mike's journey from New York neighborhood to NASA is a testament to the extraordinary feats we’re all capable of achieving. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever been told they can't. And he's here to share the wisdom gained from a lifetime of looking up and stepping forward into the unknown.
So, as we embark on this journey with Mike Massimino, prepare to be inspired, to learn, and to see our own challenges a little differently. Because sometimes, reaching for the stars teaches us more about ourselves than we ever imagined.
I’m excited for you to apply what Mike has to teach us!
With Fire,
MG
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Chapters
00:00 Intro to Mike, aka "Mass"
05:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear
09:59 Believing in Yourself
15:15 Dealing with Rejection
20:59 The Importance of Effort
25:42 The Influence of Community
37:05 The Power of Teamwork
41:31 The Global Perspective
45:26 Exploring the Impossible
47:19 The Persistence and Lessons Learned
49:05 Deconstructing Extraordinary Performers
50:03 Vulnerability and Purpose in Sports
52:29 Finding Purpose in Everyday Life
54:14 Basic Principles for Success
56:38 The Value of Teamwork and Relationships
57:37 No Dream is Too Bold
01:00:48 Being a Great Teammate
01:02:32 Building a Team and Finding Joy