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A Tribute to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and the Power of Goals By Jill Koenig Like so many people around the World, I was truly stunned to hear the news of the passing of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, due to a highly unusual stingray barb to the heart while filming a documentary. I want to share with you somethings you might not have known about Steve. Steve was raised in a zoological environment. His parents founded the Australia Zoo in 1970. Steve spent his entire life around wildlife. He caught his first croc at the age of 8. He did not set out to become a tv personality, it actually happened quite by accident as he was pursuing another goal. Wildlife Conservation. Steve's first passion in life was Wildlife Conservation. Irwin said, "That's why I was put on this Earth. That's why I'm here." Steve was busy with his passion for crocodile conservation, humanely capturing crocs when he had an idea. He wanted to film a documentary using a video camera his father gave him. Because he was usually working alone, he decided to set up a video camera in a tree to film himself in action so he could share it with his father and his friends. His friends were immediately captivated and he garnered enough support to film his first full documentary, which later inspired his television show, which made him a worldwide star and put a much bigger spotlight on Wildlife Conservation. Irwin had a larger than life personality. He connected with everyone from young children to adults of all ages. His enthusiasm was contagious. He found a way to entertain while teaching. You know you learn more when you're having fun and you couldn't help but be captivated as Irwin told the story of each creature he featured. "If you can touch people with wildlife, they will want to save it." -Steve Irwin Irwin knew that working with wildlife was risky. He had been bitten and stung and injured many times working with animals over the years. He knew wild animals are wild. Yet he still had the courage to reach out to millions of people to educate and communicate the plight of various wildlife. One of the most valuable lessons we can learn from Steve Irwin is to follow your bliss and pursue your passions. He lived pursuing his passion, every single day of his life. He met his wife while pursuing his passion (while she was also pursuing hers), his family was integral in his passion and he died pursuing his passion. He was a passionate son, brother, husband to Terri, father of two, friend to many and inspiration to millions. One of his friends said, "He lived 10 lifetimes in his 44 years." "The reason I have been put on this planet is to save wildlife." -Steve Irwin He considered himself a Wildlife Warrior. Irwin said, "A warrior is someone who is engaged in battle and my battle is Conservation." If you were touched by Steve Irwin's life, do something today to honor his mission. Get involved with a conservation group, make a donation, write a letter, join a club, talk to your children about it. Find out what you can do with what you have. There is always something you can do. Just do something. Steve's goal was Wildlife Conservation. Set a goal today to honor your own passion. Have the courage to develop your own gifts and share them with the world. Live Your Dreams
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin Dies By Marguerite Bonneville Steve Irwin's sudden death this week has left his fans and admirers in a state of shock. News and tributes have been pouring in from around the world since the news was announced. Steve's life and accomplishments were truly extraordinary, and can serve as a source of inspiration for anyone who values making a meaningful contribution. For a start, Steve Irwin did what he truly loved. He didn't choose his career for the opportunity to make lots of cash, because 'there was a good market out there', or for any of the other reasons many marketing and success gurus talk about. He loved Nature and wildlife with a passion that came through in everything he said or did. The fact that there was a huge audience for his projects, resulting in mega-bucks and international fame, was a bonus. He used a portion of that money to purchase habitats for endangered wildlife. Another amazing thing about Steve's life was that he didn't separate family and career. His wife Terri shared his passion for wildlife and conservation, and their children, Bindi Sue and Robert, quickly became an integral part of their projects. Steve often spoke about how family was the most important thing in his life, and he created a situation where he shared the bulk of his time with them. That's a great accomplishment if you can pull it off. Finally, Steve made it by being himself. He did not 'dress for success', modify his broad working-class Australian accent, or tone down his over-the-top personality. One of the reasons many Americans said they admired him was because he was so down to earth and genuine. Australians sometimes complained that Steve Irwin projected a negative image of the country because of his lack of sophistication and unbridled enthusiasm. His use of the 1950's slang term "crikey" made us cringe. Others criticised his 'sensationalist' approach to his subject. But the response to his death has demonstrated the overwhelmingly high regard in which he was held. Steve Irwin's legacy is the increased awareness he has promoted worldwide of the importance of protecting wildlife. He was a true conservationist, and many people have written to him over the years to let him know that they've became active conservationists themselves, or entered the field on a professional level, as a direct result of his influence. What a wonderful legacy.
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