. ICY DETERMINATION POURING COLD WATER ON MEDIOCRITY Want to hear a stunning example of excellence borne of persistence? Then listen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony or his Hammerklavier Sonata, among the many works he composed despite being almost completely deaf. To document his creations, Beethoven would bang the keys with one hand while holding his ear to the wooden floor of his apartment. Then he would get up, write down the notes -- then crouch down again to create several more measures of music. This laborious process would go on for hours, often stretching late into the night. Would Beethoven ever take a break? Rarely. To fight off fatigue, he would pour buckets of cold water over his head. So the next time you're hard at work -- whether you're composing a magnificent symphony or doing everyday work that you want to be magnificent -- think of Beethoven and exert your persistence. The ice water is optional.                                 MORE ARTICLES: Beginning with Belief: Sound Lessons in Creating the Future (Thomas Edison) Flying through the "Ugh-Known" (Chuck Yeager) Lessons in Genius from a Notorious Hoe-Heaver (Albert Einstein) Finding Your Inner Edison Lessons in Greatness from the Life of Dr. King Leadership Lessons from a Place of Hell (Nelson Mandela) Artistotle on the "Victory over Self" The Power of One: How Small Actions Can Change Big System (Rosa Parks) Fidelity to a Worthy Purpose: The Inspiring Story of Helen Keller The Power of Pongo Love Changing Paths When You're Running in Circles: Reflections of a Recovering Routiner Aspiring to be a Lamplighter Getting Unplugged in a Plugged-In World Watch What You're Thinking! The False Promise of Sweet Efficiency Getting Uncomfortable: 7 Ways to Reclaims Our Hearts and Minds The Gift of Advice from a Svelte Santa Claus Take Time for These High Priorities Jobs, Careers, and the Big Arrow

Copyright 2006 Tom Terez. All rights reserved.

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