Lessons Every Woman Can Learn From Amelia Earhart
There are very few women as pioneering and inspiring as Amelia Earhart. Known for being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, Amelia broke numerous aviation records before she disappeared in July 1937.
Her disappearance occurred while she was attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world. Even though there were many search efforts, the plane and crew were never found.
Due to her gender, Amelia faced many trials and tribulations including financial and discrimination. However, she still managed to triumph and make a name for herself. Here are 5 lessons from Amelia Earhart that every woman should learn.
1. Don’t Let Fear Stop You
Getty Images
Deciding to become a pilot in a patriarchal society was a feat on its own. However, fears aside Amelia didn't just step into a male-dominated career, she turned it on its head and forged a path to success for herself. She refused to let fear hold her back.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”
2. You May Succeed Even If Others Failed
Getty Images
Once she conquered her fears, Amelia set out to become a pioneer. She carved her name in history as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic even though three women before her had lost their lives attempting the same feat.
Her success proves that the failure of others should not stop you from trying to reach your goals. In fact, she even went on to become the first person to make the flight across the Pacific from Honolulu to California.
3. Show Gratitude
Getty Images
Regardless of her success, Amelia always took a moment to remain grateful for the simple things in life. She once said:
“The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship.”
4. You Do Not Need To Be A Tomboy To Fit In
Getty Images
Amelia Earhart grew up as a tomboy but later embraced her feminity. While working as an aviator she refused to wear the garments designed for male pilots and chose to wear her iconic suits and dresses with a close-fitting cap instead.
Besides clothing, she also chose to be surrounded by other successful women. She was extremely close to Eleanor Roosevelt and part of the founding members of Ninety-Nines, a women’s aviation club.
5. Be Inspired By Other Successful Women
Getty Images
Before flying her first plane, Amelia created a scrapbook from newspaper clippings to inspire her. She would pick out articles on other successful women and keep them as inspiration.
She was inspired by women who worked in predominantly male-oriented fields including law, film production, management, advertising, and mechanical engineering. Their success helped cemented her drive to succeed as well.