If you’re struggling and trying hard to hold onto a dream, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden provides the kind of inspiration it takes to reach audacious goals over seemingly impossible odds. But that’s the type of inspiration it takes to lead NASA toward the goal of having a manned mission to Mars. And, at many times along your small business journey, Bolden also provides the kind of inspiration that can help you make it to your next goal.

As a teenager, Bolden overcame racism to receive an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964. He went on to serve in the Marine Corps as an aviator, flying more than 100 combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Bolden later became a NASA astronaut and traveled aboard the space shuttle on four missions. After his last space flight, he returned to the Marine Corps and achieved the rank of major general. Then in 2009, he was appointed the 12th Administrator of NASA.

Today, Administrator Bolden is inspiring NASA, the U.S. and the world, to dream big with manned missions to Mars.

If, in the struggles you face running a small business, you think it’s time to throw in the towel, you may be correct. Failing at one thing is not the same as being a failure. But before you decide to give up on a dream you believe is challenging, but still attainable, listen to this inspiring interview with Bolden that aired on NPR’s Morning Edition today (2/9/2016).

Photos: NASA