©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
Do you give up when an obstacle seems too big to overcome? Have you abandoned a dream because you thought it was impossible? If so, Mike Massimino has some strategies for perseverance that you might like.
Mike is a former NASA astronaut who flew on two space shuttle missions to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. But his life as an astronaut almost didn’t happen. Fortunately, he figured out how to beat the odds.
Key Takeaways:
“One in a million is not zero. As long as you’re trying, there’s a chance.”
“Don’t ever feel entitled to anything. You owe it to yourself to give your dream a chance.”
“The world doesn’t owe you a thing. Expect mistakes and be willing to learn from them.”
[0:00:00] Mike wouldn’t have given up even if disqualified
[0:02:31] Mike’s book contains lessons from his astronaut experience
[0:04:41] Mike’s childhood dream of becoming an astronaut
[0:06:48] Mike faced rejection multiple times before being selected
[0:07:52] Mike overcame a medical disqualification with vision training
[0:10:45] Mike would have kept trying even if disqualified again
[0:11:46] Feeling comfortable with astronauts and overcoming hurdles
[0:14:46] Pursuing dreams despite the odds
[0:15:47] Passion for the space program
[0:17:32] Fixing the Hubble Space Telescope
[0:17:44] Moments of doubt and risk
[0:19:44] Worthwhile mission and scientific impact
[0:21:25] Stripping a screw during a spacewalk
[0:23:05] Overcoming the screw issue and perseverance
[0:24:00] Importance of persistence and owning mistakes
[0:24:41] Being comfortable with making mistakes and seeking help
[0:26:01] Adjusting to life after being in outer space
[0:27:00] Realizing the most interesting job is behind you
[0:28:53] Finding new opportunities and being grateful for what you have
[0:29:51] Alan Bean’s example of pursuing art after being an astronaut
[0:31:00] Finding a new identity and always being amazed
[0:33:40] Appreciating the beauty of the Earth and the world around us
[0:34:56] Remembering how lucky we are to be here
[0:35:08] Owing it to ourselves to find out what life has to offer
0:35:08 Owning our own success and finding our passion
0:36:02 Advice on not feeling entitled and expecting things
0:37:33 The importance of giving your dream a chance
0:38:01 Where to learn more about Mike Massimino
0:38:39 Amy Morin’s take on Mike’s strategies for mental strength
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get exclusive bonus episodes, access to the Mentally Stronger community, and answers to your questions about mental strength.
Follow Mike on Instagram — @astromikemassimino
Buy Amy’s books on mental strength
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com
AG1 — Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go todrinkAG1.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER.
BetterHelp — This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong, and get 10% off your first month.