Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, is consistently ranked as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents. In fact, he’s held in such high regard that his face is carved into Mount Rushmore in South Dakota alongside three other presidential legends.
However, did you know that he had a pretty incredible number of setbacks?
He suffered from asthma as a child
Roosevelt’s first wife died two days after giving birth…and his mother died the same day in the same house
After those dual tragedies, he became a cattle rancher in the Dakotas…and blizzards destroyed his herd
He won his first election (New York State Assembly) and lost his second (New York City Mayor)
His exploits became legendary after these potentially devastating losses. He became the equivalent of Secretary of the Navy, formed the famous Rough Riders, served as Governor of New York, U.S. Vice President, and U.S. President. While President, he ordered construction of the Panama Canal AND won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Roosevelt was able to have a good laugh, even after some significant setbacks
How did Roosevelt progress from the early setbacks in his life? This quote gives us some insight:
"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." – Theodore Roosevelt
Today, let's all strive to do SOMETHING!
photo credit: mentalfloss.com