Reach As High As You Can Day is observed on April 14 every year. The day can be interpreted in numerous ways, however, the message remains the same — to reach as high as you can. Whether it is aiming for a higher professional or personal goal, or even to reach for something physically, it is a day to believe in yourself and take a chance that you may have shied away from before.
History of Reach As High As You Can Day
Reaching can be defined as physically extending to grab or touch something. It can also mean conceptually extending to increase something’s impact or application. Humans have been reaching new literal and metaphorical heights since the beginning of time. If it were not for people reaching as high as they can and aiming for bigger and better, the world as we know it would have been different. It is impossible to pinpoint the origination date for a concept like this, but history is full of examples and evidence that shooting higher paves the way for new opportunities.
Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first person to reach outer space, explorer Leif Day is said to be the first person to reach America, inventor Thomas Edison reached to create the first light bulb, and the world was never the same again. To stay within our comfort zone comes with a sense of safety and certainty, but to reach for something newer and bigger has consequences that can be revolutionary and life-changing.
National Reach As High As You Can Day, observed every year on April 14, encourages all of mankind to push our limits and venture out of our comfort zones. This ‘reaching’ can be as big or as small as we are comfortable with. It is a chance for us to bring about a much-needed change in our lives, and many even change someone else’s.
Reach As High As You Can Day timeline
Robert Peary reaches the North Pole.
Roald Amundsen reaches the South Pole.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin reach the moon.
Reach As High As You Can Day FAQs
How many times have we reached the moon?
Approximately six missions have landed people on the moon so far, and many more are underway.
When did humans reach France?
1.57 million years ago humans reached and discovered France and paved the way for others to do so too.
How long does it take to reach Mars?
On average, it is believed to take 162 days to reach Mars. However, a closer route has estimated about 41 days.
Reach As High As You Can Day Activities
Reach for something physically
You could reach for that one book at the top of the shelf that you have not read yet, or a jar that you avoid using because of its high placement. You could even try to reach that restaurant you have been meaning to try out for a while.
Reach for something professionally
No matter what your field of work is, there are always certain short or long-term goals in the back of your mind. Take this day to think about ways in which you can broaden your horizon and reach for something higher than before.
Reach for something personal
As with other things, most of us have certain personal goals that we aim for. Whether it is a personal record at the gym or the duration of your daily meditation, try to reach for a slightly higher milestone and believe in yourself.
5 Facts About Reaching That You Probably Didn’t Know
It takes time
It took astronauts four days to reach the moon.
It inspires others
Since the first climb, over 5,000 people have reached Mt. Everest’s peak.
It takes commitment
Sometimes a task needs to be repeated for it to become a habit.
It is not always linear
Some ups and downs come with advancements, but it is part of the process.
It takes dedication
A giraffe’s neck cannot reach the ground, but they do not stop trying.
Why We Love Reach As High As You Can Day
It inspires us
It is less scary to do what we know, but taking risks and reaching higher can be liberating and rewarding in more ways than one. Nothing is guaranteed, but a day like this pushes us to re-evaluate our goals and activities and determine the areas where we can do more.
It encourages advancement
If people from the beginning of time did not reach in one way or another, life would be different from what it is now. Most of what we have, if not everything, is the result of someone pushing forward and discovering the undiscovered.
It stimulates exploration
Whether it is intellectual, geographical, or physical, reaching higher opens doors that we didn’t know existed. Would you know about your favorite hiking spot if someone did not reach there and tell you about it?
Reach As High As You Can Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | April 14 | Monday |
2026 | April 14 | Tuesday |
2027 | April 14 | Wednesday |
2028 | April 14 | Friday |
2029 | April 14 | Saturday |