Today’s Imagination Hat honors the bravery of James Howard Meredith. On this day in 1963, he was the first African-American student to graduate from the segregated University of Mississippi– a time marked by extreme tension in the fight for civil rights.

How strong is your Mission and Vision? Is it bigger than you are? Without a good deal of chutzpah, a true entrepreneur knows that she will not survive the day to day onslaught and the obstacles of running a small business. While the greatest problems that we face in business are often the result of our own our attitudes, behaviors, and belief systems, there are problems brought on by external issues as well over which we have no control. If our vision and mission are not clear, we will find ourselves tripping over each and every road block. When our vision is clear, very few obstacles, whether internal or external, will stop us.
 
Such is the chutzpah of James Howard Meredith. James’ mission and vision were branded on his heart when he heard John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. He decided that the best thing he could do for democracy was to apply for admission to the segregated University of Mississippi. The story, which you can find online, is long and protracted. He did not encourage defiance of the law, but upholding of the Constitution already in place, seeing little difference between civil rights and human rights. His fight was not without blood, including his own.  During the second day of his solo 220-mile March Against Fear, James was shot by a white gunman. This extreme road block, which would have stopped many, did not dampen his resolve. While he was recovering, many convened to help him finish the March. It was 15,000 strong by the time they reached Jackson, Mississippi, making it the largest civil rights march on record.  As a result, more than 4,000 African Americans registered to vote. His fight ended the University’s policy of racial segregation–a cause much bigger than himself.
 
What is the best thing that you can do for your clients? Do you believe that what you are doing will make life better for those around you? If not, rework your deliverables. If your goal is just making an income, it will not sustain your business. Make your mission “other-centered”, and you can create a lasting legacy.
 
That’s this week’s Imagination Hat.
 
James Meredith has written a book about his journey: “A Mission from God,” available in fine book stores.