Tag: Perseverance

The Harvard University Hope Experiment

Source:  LearnSomethingInteresting.com

During the 1950’s, Dr. Curt Richter from Harvard University performed a series of experiments using water, buckets, and both domesticated and wild rats which resulted in a surprising discovery within the field of psychology. In the first experiment, Richter placed his test subjects into large buckets half filled with water with even those rats which were considered above average swimmers, giving up and dying within a few short minutes. In the second experiment, Richter pulled each rat out just as it was about to give up due to exhaustion and let them rest for a few moments. Upon inserting the rats back into the bucket of water, Richter found that the rats continued to struggle to survive for up to 60 hours as the rats now believed that if they continued to push forward with enough effort put forth, eventually they would be rescued once again. Richter recorded in his notes, “after elimination of hopelessness, the rats do not die”.

What are the implications, if any, to current (and future) events and circumstances?

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Fall Down Seven Times … Get Up Eight

I talked to my older son last night, the one who has struggled mightily with some mental issues. He has made remarkable progress in the past several months. He sent me pictures of his apartment. It’s a lovely place … he can see a bit of Lake Michigan in the distance … and nicely decorated.

But, he called to tell me about a small setback – a very minor one actually – and he said he was afraid he was going to slip back into his old ways.

I said to him, “Nonsense!!!”. I told him how proud I was of him that he never game up, despite the horrific crap he’s been through, and that he wasn’t going to start now. I reminded him of the old Japanese proverb that I have beat into his head many years hence; “Nana korobi ya oki” — fall down seven times, get up eight.

That’s not necessarily about “winning”. It’s about remembering that when times are dark, there IS a way out. That there are no quick fixes in life. That anything of real worth will likely take much struggle, and perseverance. Success does not have to be fast. It’s more important that he continues to do his absolute best and remain persistent. I encouraged him to reach down deep within himself — which is the best source of motivation — gather strength for one more battle, and say ‘go to hell’ to whatever voices try to keep him down.

Then, I told him to log on to youtube, and we watched this video together, and he was moved by it. I hope a few of you like it as well.