Years before the Wright Brothers defied gravity and flew the first airplane, their dream faced a challenge that many of us might find familiar—the opposition of someone they deeply respected, their father, Bishop Wright. Ironically, he deemed the idea of human flight heretical, arguing that such an ability was reserved for angels. Yet, on December 17, 1903, his sons proved him wrong, recording the first human flight and setting humanity on a path of unprecedented innovation.
The lesson? The instinct to soar is woven into the fabric of our being. It is the drive to defy limitations, embrace bold visions, and conquer new frontiers. Whether in innovation, personal growth, or spiritual discovery, we all carry the capacity to rise above mediocrity and achieve greatness. However, like the Wright brothers, the journey to flight often begins with opposition, doubt, and the need for relentless preparation.
When we speak of “flying instincts,” we’re not just talking about achieving physical flight but a metaphorical leap into new realms of potential. The instinct to fly is that inner nudge urging you to move beyond your comfort zone, to innovate, to dare, and to create. It’s a refusal to settle for the ordinary when extraordinary possibilities lie within reach.
Achievers understand this principle: you can’t fly if you cling to the ground. They don’t dwell in the past; they don’t build museums out of their failures or successes. Instead, they gather lessons, cremate what no longer serves them, and press forward with renewed vigor. Flying requires courage, focus, and, most importantly, preparation.
Every great performer, be it an artist, athlete, or entrepreneur, understands the significance of rehearsals. Rehearsals are the stage where potential is refined and confidence is built. They prepare you for the moment when opportunity knocks.
Take David, for example, whose defining moment came when he stood before Goliath. By human standards, he had no prior experience fighting giants. But spiritually and mentally, he had rehearsed for that moment through his victories over lions and bears. To David, Goliath was just another opponent—albeit louder and taller. Those private battles had sharpened his skills and fortified his confidence, making Goliath less intimidating.
The same principle applies to us. Every challenge you face in your personal or professional life is a rehearsal for greater opportunities ahead. Each step hones your abilities, sharpens your instincts, and prepares you to soar. However, don’t let the exhilaration of rehearsals confuse you—they are not the final performance. Rehearsals prepare you, but it’s your performance that leaves the lasting legacy.
Opposition is often the loudest at the takeoff point. It may come from external sources, like the naysayers who doubt your vision, or internal voices of fear and self-doubt. Remember Bishop Wright—his disbelief didn’t stop his sons because they were convinced of their vision. The same must be true for you.
Doubt, whether external or internal, must be seen for what it is—a test of your resolve. Opposition can sharpen your focus, just as resistance strengthens the wings of a bird learning to fly. When you face doubt, let it propel you rather than paralyze you.
The ability to fly isn’t just for the Wright Brothers or biblical heroes like David—it’s for you. The Creator has already installed the instinct to soar within your spirit. So, step out, prepare diligently, and trust the wings you’ve been given. The world is waiting for you to take flight.