In partnership with

Friday, October 18, 2024

“You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals,” reflects the idea that the true value of an achievement lies in the difficulty of the journey. It highlights that success isn’t solely defined by the end result but also by the challenges surmounted along the way. The greater the obstacles, the more meaningful and rewarding the accomplishment.

This perspective encourages readers to reframe how they view their struggles. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, they should recognize them as essential to personal growth and ultimate success. It underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and determination, suggesting that overcoming difficulties transforms not only the goal but also the individual striving toward it.

Understanding the origin of this quote brings deeper context. Booker T. Washington, born into slavery in 1856, became a leading African-American educator, author, and influential figure in post-Civil War America. He faced tremendous adversity throughout his life, including poverty, discrimination, and systemic barriers, yet he persisted in his pursuit of education and improvement for both himself and the African-American community. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute, which became a model for vocational education, empowering countless students. His own life story embodies the essence of this quote—his accomplishments were magnified by the extraordinary obstacles he had to overcome.

This quote serves as a powerful reminder that the most meaningful successes often come from overcoming the greatest challenges, encouraging readers to persist even when the path ahead seems difficult. It aligns with themes of growth through struggle, resilience, and the belief that adversity can fuel triumph.

This Device Measures Your Metabolism in a Single Breath

We’re all completely unique individuals — so why do we buy into so many cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all nutrition and health plans? Lumen, the world’s first handheld metabolic coach, is different.

​With just one breath first thing in the morning, Lumen measures your metabolism by letting you know if you’re burning fat or carbs for energy. The device then gives you tailored guidance to improve your nutrition, workouts, sleep, and stress management. Lumen helps you understand what’s happening in your body in real time and builds you a personalized health plan based on your data. Click below to learn more about how it works and get 15% off your Lumen with code HEALTHWITHLUMEN.

Learn More

Resource List:

1. Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington – Washington’s autobiography provides firsthand insight into his life, struggles, and triumphs.

2. The Strength in Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino – This book delves into the power of overcoming challenges and finding strength through hardship.

3. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth – Duckworth’s work explores how resilience and determination are key to success, aligning with Washington’s message.

4. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday – This book is a modern interpretation of how embracing obstacles can lead to achievement and personal growth.

5. The Booker T. Washington Papers edited by Louis R. Harlan – A collection of Washington’s writings, letters, and speeches that provide deeper context into his philosophy and leadership.

These resources offer further exploration of the themes of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the value of accomplishment after facing challenges.