When I was young, I used to think that when I made enough money, I wouldn’t have any problems… wow, how ridiculous is that. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably heard the saying, “more money, more problems,” so the fact is, that problems or adversity are a part of life.
Since we know that adversity is part of life, the real question is how effective are you at overcoming adversity? What I’ve learned from top performers is, that they simply overcome adversity quicker. You see we have a couple of choices. When something goes wrong in our lives, someone lies to you, someone cheats you, someone disappoints you or you just have a major crisis in your life; you can either make that challenge bigger than it already is and make it last for a long time, or you can look at it for what it is, an address it, handle it, and make yourself stronger. I know, Easier said than done.
First of all, let’s understand there’s a place for adversity; meaning adversity is part of lifeand the product of you overcoming adversity, will arm you with the ability to make things happen. And in my book, the ability to make things happen is the key to success.
One of my favorite stories about adversity is one I tell about Edmond McIlhenny on my award winning 10-Minute Coach CD program. Before the civil war, a gentleman named Edmond McIlhenny operated a sugar plantation on Avery Island in Louisiana. Yankee troops invaded the area and McIllhenny was forced to run. He returned two years later and his sugar fields were ruined. One of the few things left were some hot Mexican peppers that had reseeded themselves in the garden. At this point in his life, McIllhenny was living day-to- day, hand to mouth.
He started experimenting with the ground peppers to make sauce that would liven up his bland diet. His experimental sauce is known today as Tabasco sauce. Now, over a hundred years later, the McIllhenny company and the Tabasco business is still run by his family.
Listen to me very carefully, Greatness springs from adversity. The problems you are experiencing right now are setting the foundation for your success.
- Henry Ford went broke 5 times before becoming successful
- Beethovan rose above his deafness to become one the world’s best composers.
- As an elementary student, James Earl Jones stuttered so badly, he used notes tocommunicate. Now he’s known for his powerful and impactful voice.
Whatever adversity that you are faced with right now, I want you to understand that it’s only temporary, and that its preparing you for something greater. It’s never easy when you’re in it, yet think of something that you went through a few years ago and how when you were in it, it may have seemed so intense and overwhelming. As you look back on it now, it has prepared you to handle situations that you deal with today, and has made you a stronger person. So whatever you’re going through right now, first of all, you can do it. You have the mental strength and the people around you to help you push through and come out on top. So start out today by reframing your mind that adversity is part of your process to achieve greatness… and start out today with a positive and upbeat attitude and take it head on.
