By Julie Rahm
At the tender age of seventeen, Edward Smith joined
his half-brother who was the captain of the sailing ship Senator Weber. Later Smith joined the White Star Line as the
Fourth Officer of the SS Celtic. Smith served on the White Star ocean liners to
Australia and New York City. He served
with distinction and earned his first command, at age 37, on the ocean liner
Republic. Later, Smith served in the Boer War as the captain of the Majestic.
The Majestic was called into action transporting troops to South Africa where
Smith earned the “Transport Medal” awarded by King Edward VII. Interestingly,
the ocean liners that Smith commanded were able to fly the special Blue Ensign
flag since Captain Smith was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve.
As Captain Smith gained seniority, his reputation
grew. He was known as the “Millionaires’ Captain” because the English wealthy
usually chose to sail only on the ships he commanded. Smith was the world’s
most experienced sea captain. He always commanded the White Star Line’s newest
ships on their maiden voyages. Captain Smith commanded the maiden voyages of
the Baltic, Adriatic and Olympic. And, of course, his last maiden voyage was on
the ocean liner Titanic. Now you know!
Edward Smith was 62 years old when he perished
along with 1,502 others. He had 45 years of experience at sea, roughly 73-percent
of his life. When the Titanic sunk in April 1912, there was no better sea captain
in the world than Captain Edward Smith. The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank
with total disregard for the experience of her captain. So, what is my point?
My point is the Titanic did not know or care who
was in command. The ship did not have any inherent respect for her Captain. It
did not matter to the ship who was in command. The ship had no deference for
Captain Smith’s experience.
Likewise, the inanimate objects in your life have
no respect for you. Your car, lawnmower, motorcycle or boat has no deference
for you! Ownership or command of an object does not lessen the potential for an
accident. Making car payments will not gain you any respect from your car. Your
car does not care that you are the one making the payments. Run a red light and
you risk an accident just the same. And, even though your motorcycle or boat
might be your prized possession, they do not feel the same way about you. Your
possessions do not care and will injure you just the same, quickly and without
prejudice. There is no reciprocity in your relationship with your prized
possessions.
So, with summer approaching, my mindset message
this week is “be care-full” this season. Be mindful of the consequences of
carelessness. Practice a measure of personal risk reduction and accept no
unnecessary risk. Furthermore, multitasking is a myth. Be focused and present
when accomplishing your tasks. Are you still curious? Visit my website at
www.AmericasMindsetMechanic.com.
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