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Economic Challenges

Never Give Up Day: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

In this compelling episode of “Joy of Living,” join host Barry Shore and special guest Alain Horowitz as they delve into the profound significance of “Never Give Up Day.” Discover the remarkable journey of a French swimmer who overcame adversity to swim across all five continents, and explore the universal message of resilience and determination.

Explore how this day has evolved to celebrate the human spirit as individuals from all walks of life find their reasons to embrace it. From the importance of acknowledging achievements to the enduring value of family, this episode is a testament to the power of persistence and the unwavering belief that giving up is never an option.

Never Give Up Day

Show Notes:

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[9.47] Never Give Up Day

  • Many people experience defining moments in their lives when they must take control.
  • Alain Horowitz shares his own journey of resilience and determination.
  • August 18th holds a special significance in this episode.
  • In 2012 August 18th, a French swimmer lost all his limbs in an accident.
  • He boldly decided to swim across all five continents, completing this remarkable feat.
  • Interestingly, the first published poem about never giving up also dates back to August 18th, in 1845.
  • To overcome his physical limitations, the French swimmer received support from an electrician who crafted specialized prosthetics and fins.
  • His journey began by swimming across the English Channel from England to France.
  • He didn’t stop there; he aimed higher, deciding to swim across all five continents and successfully accomplishing this incredible goal.

[24.21] Mental Strength

  • Your self-belief in your abilities is the foundation of your mental strength.
  • Never Give Up Day provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment and significance.
  • Perseverance creates value in the eyes of others.
  • During moments of adversity, the feeling of letting others down can be overwhelming.
  • Celebrating Never Give Up Day sends a powerful message to loved ones: “I won’t quit, I’m still here, and you can rely on me.”
  • It also serves as a message to adversaries: “The battle isn’t over; there’s no reason for them to celebrate. I’m still here and ready to fight.”

[27.01] Celebration

  • Never Give Up Day serves as a platform for hosting various events, workshops, and sports activities.
  • The possibilities for celebrating on Never Give Up Day are endless.
  • It’s a day for individuals to commemorate their own unique reasons for not giving up.
  • We aim to create a platform and empower people to mark this day in their meaningful ways.
  • This year marked a record-breaking achievement in terms of proclamations.
  • A total of 120 significant cities officially recognized Never Give Up Day, a testament to its growing importance.
  • Seeing these cities embracing and actively supporting the Never Give Up Day initiative is incredibly gratifying.

[32.07] Low Points

  • Understanding the principle of never giving up has been my guiding light during challenging times.
  • It’s common for people to compare themselves to others, often citing, “I’ve tried everything, and they didn’t believe in me.”
  • This comparison often becomes an excuse to consider quitting.
  • Regardless of others’ beliefs, it’s crucial not to measure your worth by someone else’s standards.
  • Maintaining a positive outlook and expecting a favorable outcome is critical.
  • Never Give Up Day doesn’t promote negative or irrelevant behavior.
  • When things aren’t going as planned, it’s essential to acknowledge that continuing down the same path may not be the best course of action.
  • Sometimes, altering your course is the wisest choice for ultimate success.

[35.24] Secret of Human Nature

  • Some individuals might view Never Give Up Day as something primarily celebrated by those facing challenges.
  • In the past, those who observed Never Give Up Day were sometimes stereotyped as people in trouble.
  • However, an evolving trend shows that more and more accomplished individuals at the pinnacle of their fields are embracing this day.
  • For them, it’s a way to mark their journey of success, including highs and lows.
  • People inherently desire to share their stories.
  • One of the profound principles of human nature is the need to acknowledge achievements, not just for the accomplishments themselves, but for the hardships overcome to attain them.
  • This human need to share stories of resilience and determination is reflected in commencement speeches during graduation ceremonies, where speakers often emphasize the importance of failures and the ups and downs of the journey.
  • Humans desire to communicate what they’ve endured to achieve their goals.

[44.48] Family

  • Despite being wealthy, there are priceless treasures that money cannot acquire.
  • Among these treasures, I have the privilege of having my mother and father by my side.
  • My father, remarkable as it may sound, is 94 years old, and his presence is a source of immense joy and strength.
  • Although my grandparents departed when I was just five years old, I am blessed to have the enduring presence of two brothers and two sisters in my life.
  • Together, we form a tight-knit and beautiful family, and for this, I am truly grateful.

What’s your most fervent desire?

To make never give up day GLOBAL.

Important Links:

About Alain Horowitz

Alain Horowitz, Mr. Never Give Up, is a motivational speaker and author. He is the founder of Never Give Up Day. Millions of people worldwide celebrated “Never Give Up Day” last August 18th. 100 cities in the US & Canada, incl. Houston, Austin, San Jose, Kansas City, Louisville, Memphis, Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Milwaukee proclaimed August 18th as Never Give Up Day.

2023 was another impactful year kick-starting the celebration day across North America. In many parts of the world people flocked online to spread the word of encouragement. The media embraced Never Give Up Day with national and local print, online and broadcast channels covering the celebration day. For 2024, the movement will continue to grow exponentially.