Mission & beyond

“Mission to moon”, which started with the presidential speech of John. F. Kennedy in 1961, was accomplished so well by NASA. “Mission to moon” has become an inspirational slogan, so much so that even today many a challenging missions are given names linked with the historic mission. July 20, 1969, was a day that symbolized American superiority in Space technology and today after 40 years it is viewed as the greatest achievement for humanity in general.

One has to admit that even today it still is a giant leap for mankind and no further step by man, as far as space exploration is concerned. There has been a general criticism that enthusiasm of “Mission to moon” could not be sustained by the Americans.

This is not unique either to the Americans or the Space conquests. This is what we see frequently – in all facets of life. Once you reach the most cherished goal, suddenly you find that you have nothing else to chase – a state of no purpose or goal, which is not only dangerous but a real killer too.

In business also, we see the enthusiasm, creativity and performance which once helped organizations to stage a remarkable comeback are not sustained for long afterwards. They rejoice their achievement and complacence makes sure that whatever aspiration they have had of future are turned into wishes.

If mission accomplishment brings you excitement and top of the world feel, it also brings relief and contentment. This explains why moon landing could not serve as a stepping stone for further manned space exploration.

It in fact is a lesson for all of us, who have had our own versions of “mission to moon” and settled for it happily ever after. Our “mission to moon” could have been topping the class or earning a decent job – the lesson here is that at the accomplishment of a mission we must find ourselves a higher purpose to strive for. We must call the “Kennedy” in each one of us, who can inspire us by setting us a goal to live by and not let the vacuum that lies beyond the goal engulf us.