ABSTRACT
Breakthroughs are not easy to achieve; if they were, they wouldn’t be breakthroughs. The barrier or problem that must be overcome is a very real challenge. The excitement and energy that are stimulated by the challenge will be tempered by failure and disappointment. The shiny vision will be clouded by the atmosphere of reality and human frailty. Collaboration may degrade into conflict and the “system” may not be a friend; it may even be the enemy. Personal commitment and faith in the outcome are two of the strongest forces in the world. Breakthroughs need that kind of force; in fact, breakthroughs cannot occur without it. Simple technology demonstrations were defined and staged in front of prospective supporters in order to secure their commitment and generate stronger advocacy for the program. Extraordinary commitment can penetrate the strongest resistance, and commitment is a very personal decision.
