Perseverance

An inspiring story of beating the odds and learning to overcome–no matter what life hands you.

After starting a family and flourishing in his career, Tim Hague was struck by misfortune. The irritating tremor in his foot turned out to be early onset Parkinson’s disease. He was only 46 years old. But what seemed to be an end became a new beginning. Just three years later, Hague won the inaugural The Amazing Race Canada (with his son, Tim Jr., as his teammate). His remarkable life story shows that perseverance is not just a matter of willpower: it is a skill that can be learned and honed.
     And perseverance is the theme of his life. From the day he was born, Hague has gone from one struggle to another. Yet, remarkably, he doesn’t have a trace of self-pity. In fact, he feels blessed. From his tough start in life as an unwanted mixed-race baby born in Texas in 1964, to his eventual move to the unforgiving climate of Winnipeg, Canada, to start a family under difficult circumstances, and his continuing battle with Parkinson’s–Hague’s life is a roadmap of perseverance.
    Parkinson’s has forced him to retire early from the work he loves as a registered nurse. But as a healthcare professional, and now suffering from a challenging disease himself, Hague discusses living with Parkinson’s like no one else could. He now works with charities to help promote Parkinson’s awareness and his “Live Your Best” message. Drawing on his experience winning The Amazing Race, and referencing cutting-edge research and studies, Hague weaves a moving story of failure and success, outlining the elements of his philosophy that anyone can apply to their own lives, including:

  *  The nature of luck: Luck comes to those who keep trying until the end–never stop until the race is over.
  *  Find community: As a nurse, a husband and father, and a man living with Parkinson’s, Hague knows better than most that we all need to ask for help sometimes, and that’s a good thing.
  *  Accept limits: By focusing on what we can do, we accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
  *  Cease striving: We think of striving as a positive attribute, but all we end up doing is banging our heads against the wall. Have goals, but have fun. Do not create anxiety out of nothing and maintain perspective.
  *  Live Your Best: No such thing as giving 110%–can only do your best.

Inspirational and entertaining, Hague’s message is both simple and profound: perseverance isn’t just something a person has, or a trait we admire in others. Hague’s book, like his life, is a guide to how we can all learn to persevere in the face of daily struggles–or even life-changing illness.