Imagine the thrill of a rocket launch — the precise countdown, the roar of engines, and the liftoff that defies gravity. I had the privilege of witnessing this magic firsthand at a SpaceX launch at Kennedy Space Center. Watching the meticulous process unfold was electrifying. Each stage of the countdown had its purpose, and every step was critical to the rocket’s success. It struck me then how much this process mirrors my Activate the Awesome™ framework, each step preparing us to launch into our fullest potential.
That moment wasn’t just awe-inspiring; it was a revelation. It highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the phases of growth and preparation in our lives. Too often, we focus on the destination and miss the power of the journey — the countdown stages that make our personal launch possible. Understanding and honoring these steps is essential, especially when paired with a positive psychology approach to personal development.
10-9: Assess and Awaken Your Identity
I heard engineers meticulously double-check every system in the moments leading up to the launch. This reminded me of how critical it is for us to assess and understand ourselves—the first step in activating the awesome. The research underscores this, with studies showing that self-awareness improves relationships and performance (Eurich, 2018). This self-discovery isn’t just foundational; it’s empowering, and starting young provides a lifetime advantage.
8-7: Engage Your Gifts and Strengthen Self-Belief
The rocket’s boosters began to roar as the countdown progressed, signaling readiness. Similarly, when we engage with our gifts and talents, we ignite the energy to move forward. Gallup’s research shows that people who focus on their strengths daily are significantly more engaged and productive (Gallup, 2016). Building self-belief is the fuel that propels us through challenges. Witnessing the rocket poised for launch reminded me of how vital it is to celebrate these moments of readiness.
6-5: Optimize Potential and Maximize Momentum
Optimization at SpaceX is non-negotiable — every calculation and action is maximized for success. The same principle applies to our growth. Research from Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck demonstrates that adopting a growth mindset, believing that skills and intelligence can be developed, leads to more extraordinary achievement (Dweck, 2006). By acknowledging and refining these phases in life, we build momentum for what’s next.
4-3: Energize Your Future and Countdown to Launch
The countdown at Kennedy was awesome and electrifying, a moment ignited with potential. That energy mirrors our excitement when setting meaningful goals and visualizing our futures. Studies have shown that goal-setting enhances motivation and leads to higher success rates (Locke & Latham, 2002). Recognizing this step as part of the process, instead of rushing to the finish line, allows us to savor the journey and build anticipation.
2-1: Liftoff – The Launch of Awesome
The liftoff moment at SpaceX was unforgettable, a reminder of what preparation, belief, and persistence make possible. Just as a rocket breaks free from the ground, activating the awesome enables us to reach heights we never thought possible. By teaching young adults to honor the process — the countdown — we equip them with a lifelong skill that fosters resilience and optimism.
Why Celebrating the Countdown (and the Return to Launch Pad) Matters
One of the most remarkable moments during SpaceX’s most recent launch was watching the rocket return to its original launch pad. This achievement, a testament to precision and innovation, perfectly illustrates the cyclical nature of growth and success. The return to the launch pad is not just a conclusion; it’s the start of another journey, a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and prepare for what’s next.
This experience reinforced that every stage matters, from countdown to launch to return. The steps leading to liftoff are critical—each one meticulously preparing for the rocket’s success. Similarly, every assessment, effort to strengthen self-belief, and goal achievement create momentum that leads to awesomeness in life. Celebrating these small, often-overlooked steps is vital. Positive psychology teaches us that acknowledging progress builds motivation and fosters resilience, empowering us to reach even higher.
SpaceX has shown that success is not just about the initial launch. It’s also about the return. Returning to the same launch pad symbolizes a powerful truth: growth is not a straight line; it’s a cycle. Just as the rocket revisits its starting point to refine future missions, we, too, must periodically return to reflect on our journey. This process of revisiting our foundations, assessing, recalibrating, and optimizing enables us to move forward with greater clarity and strength.
The Activate the Awesome™ framework embraces this cyclical approach. It’s not about a single launch but about continuous growth, learning, and launching again, each time reaching new heights. By adopting this mindset in early adulthood, we lay the groundwork for a lifetime of success.
SpaceX’s engineers don’t skip steps in the countdown or ignore the significance of the rocket’s return. Neither should we. Honoring and celebrating every part of the journey—from preparation to reflection to relaunch—is how we sustain the energy and inspiration to keep activating the awesome within us, over and over again.
Sources:
- Eurich, T. (2018). What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2018/01/what-self-awareness-really-is-and-how-to-cultivate-it
- Gallup. (2016). This Is What Happens When You Focus on Employees’ Strengths. (entrepreneur.com) https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/this-is-what-happens-when-you-focus-on-employees-strengths/279579
- Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=493449296634592
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Mindset/fdjqz0TPL2wC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA3&printsec=frontcover
- Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation. American Psychologist. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-30025-8_77
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