Adversity Breeds Success.

I’ve certainly shared this thought many a time throughout the years and it’s one of my favorites as I talk sales professionals and entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe.  Life throws us curve balls sometimes and this idea is a perspective that helps us over and around those hurdles a little more easily.

Nietzch, Napoleon Hill, my “big brother” Zig Ziglar, cyclist Lance Armstrong and many of the “best of the best” have all weighed in on the topic.  As Nietzch so aptly shared, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”   He was right!  While it may not feel like it at the time, the adversity we face in our life becomes the very core of strength we draw from when times are tough.  Look to some of the greatest minds, leaders and motivators throughout history and almost all of them lived lives   often fraught with adversity and failures.

What do all of these “greats” have in common?  They saw past the obstacles in their path and kept walking in the direction of their dreams, goals and beliefs.  Trust me when I say, “You can too!”  Remember to stick to the dance, three steps forward and two steps back and invite the following three “truths” into your life:

Nothing lasts. Not the good or the bad.  Perspective is everything in this market and in this life.  Celebrate the moments, learn from the experience and embrace what is yet to come.

Count Your Blessings. The ability to realize, cherish and truly count all the blessings in our lives from the personal to the professional and everything in between can become a very real “kick-start” for each day, perspective each night or an incredible combination of the two!

We get by giving. I know you’ve heard it before but it’s something I’ll talk about for the rest of my life.  This idea has helped me to forge friendships, companies and customer relationships.  It’s the concept of taking the “what goes around comes around” theory and kicking it up a few notches.  Life, business, love – everything – is a reflection of what we put into it.  So, what do you want to give?  The “get backs” are unbelievable!

The trick to getting over those mountains that sometimes stand before us is to first see them for what they really are.  Then knowing they won’t last and knowing that there is much to be grateful for in life if we choose to look and listen helps us keep the balance while keeping things in perspective.  I wish you success as you make your way, and challenge you to steer confidently through the adversity.  After all, as Og Mandino would say, “This too shall pass.”  It always does.  Take care!

Make it a great week, and if a little adversity gets in your way – welcome it, learn from it and keep moving!