When the lunar lander finally made it to the Moon 55 years ago today, it was only natural to announce its arrival with its call sign: “The Eagle has landed,” Neil Armstrong said to mission control and the world.
Half a century later, the phrase carries so much weight, we commonly use it to describe a resounding success. Reaching the Moon sure was a big win, but actually, Armstrong was merely confirming one milestone to be completed. “We’re here. Let’s get out there, and begin.” In a way, the real mission only started once Neil and Buzz climbed down those stairs.
After all, the most interesting part of the endeavor was understanding what being on the Moon was like. How’s the gravity? How’s the soil? Will we find any water or even life? Sure, we had answers to those questions in theory, but what about reality? Reality needs evidence.
When you launch a new endeavor, you might feel tempted to make a big splash. To shout your intentions from the rooftops and proclaim your goal-equivalent of planting a flag on the moon. But if you’re looking for accountability, you’ll still get that by quietly waving to everyone in the room. “Hi! I’m here now, and I intend to stay.” No grand gestures needed.
If even one of history’s biggest eagles landing was only a small step on a long journey, it’s perfectly fine for you and I to be sparrows cautiously scoping out new terrain. There’s always time to celebrate later — and even the smallest birds inevitably have their moments in the sun.