Madame Jeanne Calment

'The human dynamo who conceived, shaped and overcame obstacles to achieve success.' The Four Diamond Rule

When it comes to explaining the process for becoming successful, an ordinary term might be substituted: ‘beyond normal’. We are all able to put forward a convincing explanation of why we do what we do or why there has been an event that marks us out as unique. There is also a broad spectrum of other explanations for different acts of people in general; to act outside this range makes one seem strange even when trying to make sense of life. I don't know if others would use terms so convoluted but I don't mind being called one myself.

To me this definition describes those who use achievement not at a conscious level, but beyond words: inside. They truly understand themselves, their own motivations, personal goals and ideas. Above them, above them all, in imagination they see impossible things happening, whole areas emerging that no one believed possible until recently. They believe impossible dreams, a future full of opportunity without end; realising such a vision is a path to any goal. This is achieved by combining many strategies ranging from physical abilities (which must be extraordinary in order to give birth) to instincts, intuition and reflexes. Talent plays a great role at several levels but ultimately still remains the whole – just part of something much greater (and sometimes ironic). This level of understanding comes along with the sheer energy to overcome almost unimaginable odds to get where you want. Failure may come by choice or opportunity, but only defeat is predictable.

For me Madame Calment deserves special recognition because she shared both intuition and strength. She began studying her way up a railway ladder shortly after World War 2 (possessing few skills). Then came war at age 21. She joined the partisan movement who used mines and acid spray against German positions while digging graves which were soon filled by the dead. Madam escaped but lost both legs at the same time. When pregnant, however, she was spotted nearby by several men - some carrying women wounded as well as themselves. In the absence of machinery helping to walk across bodies the Frenchman set about destroying several of these ladders on her own! Barely pregnant, Madam launched herself across such moving debris as was placed beside her tracks.