On March 5th, an international team of marine archaeologists and scientists discovered the wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Endurance. After more than 100 years, the ship was found 3,000 meters below the Antarctic Sea surface in surprisingly good condition due to the freezing waters. I’ve often spoke of Shackleton’s journey to become the first group to cross the Antarctic continent by foot and his recruiting efforts for the journey. He posted an ad: “Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition in case of success.”

Now for most people that doesn’t sound very appealing, but Shackleton attracted just the type of people that would be perfect for the journey. Despite getting caught in icebergs, being stranded for months with minimal food and little shelter, and five crew members traveling 800 miles in life boats to South Georgia to get help, all 27 crew members survived.

The discovery of another ship wreck in warmer waters, Nuestra Señora de Atocha, has an even more impressive story that my father in law, Cliff, recently shared with me. Every day for 16 years, Mel Fisher, would tell his team of divers; “Today’s the day”, in his hopes to find one of the richest shipwrecks ever. The Spanish ship left Havana in 1622 and was soon caught in a hurricane. A month later, another hurricane came through making it even more difficult to find the shipwreck. In 1985, after years of searching, losing family members, and large sums of money invested, Mel Fisher and his team began to find pieces of the remains. Fisher then had to fight legal battles with the government all the way up to the supreme court to maintain his share of the riches (approximately $400M!).

I share these stories because I think we all need a reminder of the importance of persistence. In a time when it seems everyone is looking for the “quick fix” or the path of least resistance, we should pause and celebrate those who dedicate themselves to a cause, refuse to give up and persevere through what appears to be insurmountable obstacles. Whatever you’re faced with, whatever you’re searching for, don’t give up hope. With enough persistence your fortune will eventually turn. Just remember the word’s of Mel Fisher “Today’s the day”!