The Likeability Guy

Adversity - How do you respond?

February 17th, 2009 Posted in Creating Success

In these times of great doubt and much uncertainty, we have to dig deep within ourselves to simply maintain the status quo.  This is somewhat of a feat, in and of itself these days.  It seems there are quite a lot of folks taking steps backwards, which is very understandable.  The cliché is that when you take two steps back, you need to take three steps forward.  This kind of talk always sounds good on paper, but is somewhat more difficult to actually put into practice and make a reality.

This is where your internal fortitude should come to the forefront.  Unfortunately, this isn’t some well thought out plan that can be prepared for in advance.  For instance, there are tons of people losing their jobs each and every day, many of whom felt they were secure in their position.  Would it be normal for everyone to always be prepared to lose their job in advance of it happening?  Not a chance.  Then they would perform horribly each day as one foot is already out the door.

Before I continue, let me ask you this question.

How long do you have to live?

Don’t know do you?  I hope most people do not know that answer.  So, why do I ask?  Well, to me, since you have no guarantees in life, why would you ever give up on anything or quit fighting.  Each day you have, is a blessing. If some company doesn’t want you around anymore, it is their loss.  Here’s the deal.  So many corporations are run so poorly that they don’t know which way is up.  Rather than making intelligent choices to maintain business operations in this economy, they make poor choices that will eventually lead them to bankruptcy or irrelevance…basically the same thing.

Here is what I mean.  If I am a CEO, and need to make employee cutbacks, I don’t just randomly fire or layoff anyone.  I make 100% certain that all employees that have shown great dedication, production, intelligence, and have shown amazing desire remain with me and the company.  Instead, these companies make silly decisions to lay off entire segments of their company, without regard to any of the traits that I mentioned above.  So, some guy that is a horrible employee that doesn’t even like his job maintains his position because he worked in the lucky department that didn’t get let go; but the smart and innovative guy that proved his worth ten times over gets the axe, because it was time for his department to be terminated.

This is really one of the dumbest things that companies do, but they simply don’t get it.  So, don’t dwell on the decisions that ignorant people make.  Yes, it does affect you in the short term, but try to look at it in a different way.  If your company is being managed poorly, the future is not bright for the company or your position.  They did you a favor.  So move on to something new.  If you possess the traits of desire, dedication, productivity, and intelligence, you will fit in wonderfully anywhere.  These things cannot be taught.  Any corporation will need you, more than you need it.  Companies are only as good as their employees, even if they don’t understand that.

I say to you again.  How long do you have to live?

Why spend even a second of your limited time being angry or dwelling on the past.  Step up and move to the next segment of your life.  What is done is done.  You can’t change the course of events that have already occurred.  You can only enhance the opportunities that lie in front of you. 

Due to many events that I have personally experienced in my life, both good and bad, I have learned one very important lesson.  Always be true to yourself and never sell yourself short.  There are very few other items that can be directly controlled by you.  Yes, you can influence many factors in life, but you must always remain true to who you are.

Four traits that will always allow you to overcome adversity

Desire / Passion:  The fire that you feel inside of you to achieve something great.

Dedication:  The ability to stay the course and see your goal completed in its entirety.

Productivity:  Long term results of continuous dedication and desire, working together.

Intelligence:  Knowing what to do and how to make it happen.

Always remember that regardless of how bad you feel, or how bad your circumstances are, the feeling and the situation will pass.  Adversity is simply a strength builder.  Think of it as your opportunity to grow stronger than you thought possible.  I know that this is easier said than done.   I assure you that any adverse scenario that you face, will only be a small fleeting moment in your life that could be filled with opportunity if you allow it.

True personal strength can only be measured by your actions when you face adversity straight in the eye. You can persevere.  Adversity is like a bully at school.  The only way to deal with a bully is to face him head on.   If you give in to the bully’s demands, you will be taken advantage of forever and will never grow as a person.  This is your time to shine.   Stand up tall, be strong in your convictions, and move along to your next level of success.

When I was young, I went through some very adverse circumstances that I almost succumb to.  But I didn’t.  It took me a while to figure it out, but when I did, I knew I had learned the greatest lesson in life.  Fortunately for me, it came early and I have prospered as a person ever since.  I know in my heart that no matter what adverse challenge gets in my way, as long as my family and I have our health, I can overcome anything.  You can do the same.  You just need to believe it; because I am speaking the truth.