Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Chances are you’ve heard this quote a time or two in your life. Maybe it motivated and inspired you to be better, stronger, more driven, focused or able to overcome the challenges life puts in front of you.
Maybe you have a book, magazine article, or poster that means something to you, to ground you and help bring out your best when you need it most.
We have the privilege of bringing creative ideas to life. Every day we are fortunate to be called upon to take the thoughts, inspiration, advice, stories, creativity, leadership, teachings and valuable information of all kinds from brilliant people and bring them to life in printed form.
We get to be a small part of your story and the millions of other stories of those impacted by the ripple effect of this collective effort.
It’s a privilege.
Alfred Lansing was an American journalist and writer. He spent years tapping into his creative mind to meticulously structure thoughts into words, ultimately resulting in the story of The Endurance, an account of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic explorations.
His work was then handed off to McGraw-Hill publishing who would go on to enhance the words with historical photos and cover art, providing a clear picture of the circumstances and experience of that voyage by Ernest Shackleton and the other 27 men aboard the Endurance.
McGraw-Hill then passed there finished work along to a printer who would bring together ink and paper, upon which the story would transform from thought and idea into something tangible, something shared and collected by people across the globe.
For some readers, Endurance is a story of 28 men on a heroic voyage across the Antarctic, facing insurmountable odds and overcoming conditions few will ever experience. Others may be inspired to see different parts of the world or make an effort to learn more about the landscape, animals and conditions of the environment detailed in the book.
And for others, the book inspires and acts as a detailed record of what people are capable of if they maintain a positive outlook, work as a team, endure even the most challenging of times and keep moving forward. It’s a playbook on leadership, managing people and leading by example. It’s a story that details just how much we are capable of enduring and accomplishing if we set our minds to it.
There’s no telling how many people have been inspired, motivated and moved by this one book. There’s no telling how many have picked themselves back up after being knocked down, became better leaders, realized the power of optimism and teamwork, or were motivated to lead by example.
There’s no telling the positive impact or the ripple effect this one book may have had on lives across the world.
Life moves so quickly, it’s easy to overlook the power and potential of a newsletter, book, magazine, poster or journal.
At first glance it may appear to be a simple process of taking thoughts and ideas, weaving together groupings of words, organizing these words with imagery, and finally pressing ink to paper bringing it all to life.
But look closer and you’ll see the efforts of a group of people who come together to change lives. From idea to creative imagery and written word. From structure and layout to print, binding and distribution. It’s an effort that can have a far reaching impact on the businesses and lives of those who’s hands grasp the finished product.
At first glance you may see a printer. You may see the building, the state of the art equipment, the team working tirelessly on the production floor, the pallets being hauled off and shipped across the country, or the Seaway logo on the front door.
But look closer and you’ll see a team of people who firmly believe we’re making a positive impact, leaving the world a little better than we found it. You’ll see a team who believes “Bound For Success” is more than a tag line, it’s a belief in what’s possible when talented people come together to bring ideas to life.
Never underestimate how powerful you are. Never underestimate the positive impact you can have on the lives of those around you and the difference you can make.
During these challenging times, we encourage you to keep moving forward, to find the strength to not only endure, but thrive. We encourage you to be a leader to those around you; to your family, friends, colleagues, employees, partners and community.
We encourage you to do the little things that can make a big difference.
At first glance, it may appear to be a simple handwritten thank you, a phone call to check in, a newsletter or article of advice and ideas, a smile that elicits a smile in return, or a gesture of gratitude.
But if you look closely enough, you’ll see the ripple effect. You’ll quickly realize just how powerful you are. You’ll realize the difference you can make.
And you’ll realize just how connected we all truly are.
Together, we are bound for success.
From the entire team at Seaway, we want you to know how much we appreciate being a small part of your success story and we encourage you to be a small part of the success stories of those around you.
And what fascinating, inspiring, motivating stories they will be.