"Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey" Entrepreneurship lessons from Shackleton, a true heroic adventurer.

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackelton set out on an expedition to cross Antartica via the South Pole.  He did not accomplish his goal.  Instead, he became the center of one of the most incredible stories of survival, leadership, perseverance and faith I have ever seen.  PBS has a fabulous multimedia account of his exploits.  This link, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/shackleton/1914/endurance.html is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Check out this newspaper recruitment ad, placed by Shackleton in 1914:

Men Wanted For Hazardous Journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.

More than 5,000 answered the call, but only a couple dozen were chosen.  What they went through would have stopped most of us dead in our tracks.  Literally.  For all entrepreneurs, its a reminder to keep going in the face of adversity.  Be absolutely committed to your own success.  If you have a solid plan, stick to it and don't let fear dictate your actions.  Most of all, when the [you-know-what] hits the fan, be prepared to "take massive action" as Tony Robbins (author or "Awaken the Giant Within") would put it.  Check it out and tell me you've had worse problems in your venture.  I dare you.