How To Thrive In The Midst Of Adversity
“Adversity
causes some men to break; others to break records” –William Arthur Ward
That
adversity comes to all, is a fact of life. Human existence is replete with
challenges; from the cradle to the grave. Sometimes, we are tempted to think
that the rich, for instance have no problems whatsoever. Well, they may have no
problem with funds, but they sure have one problem or the other; it could be
problems associated with their marriages, raising their kids, health issues and
even problems associated with work. The point of going on this tangent is to
show that problems and difficulties come to the poor and the rich, the young
and the old, the student and the teacher, the preacher and the congregants, the
sick and the healthy; there simply are no exceptions.
Adversity
demystified
It
is important to note that your current adversity may be different from that
faced by a colleague, friend, family member or any other person for that
matter. Whereas the unemployed graduate is faced with the challenge of
prospecting for a job, a rich fellow somewhere is faced with a marital
challenge - a marriage at the brink of a divorce. Someone else, in spite of all
his best efforts, is constantly broke and in debt. Here is another who has
started a company and provides top-notch services, and yet finds it difficult
attracting clients. Someone has a solid business idea but simply cannot find
the funds to actualize his or her dream. Yet another was born without arms and
legs, or with some kind of physical impairment; doing daily chores and pursuing
their dreams is a constant hassle. A studious student failed woefully in his
final exam. A lovely couple just lost their only son to a dreaded ailment. The
list is never ending. These are the adversities of life, and indeed, there are
more.
I have observed that we are sometimes
faced with several challenges all at the same time; challenges seem to flood
our lives en mass. You are faced with a myriad of challenges and setbacks all
at one and the same time. You are broke, in debt, jobless, sick and have been
deserted by a spouse – all at the same time for instance. Such situations can
be extremely frustrating, discouraging and indeed can sow seeds of despair and
depression, and on occasion push some towards the edge of suicide.
There are also those challenges that
come as though in series. One problem is resolved and soon after, another
problem shows up. This paints the picture of life being an adventure of finding
viable solutions to the myriad of life`s challenges.
Adversity either ‘breaks’ or
‘makes’ people
Time and again, adversity has driven
many into feats desperation, hopelessness, aimlessness, anxiety and depression.
Some have given up on the pursuit of their most cherished dreams and
aspirations. Families have been wrecked, as though beyond repairs. Adversity
has pushed many into self-destructive habits and pursuits; it has literally
broken many; the resolve to keep trying is broken; the passion and focus needed
to change situations for the better are broken. This is especially the case
where attempts over a considerable period of time to deal with a given
adversity never seem to yield any tangible results. History is awash with many
potentially great men and women who feel on bended knees before the mountain of
adversity. The reverse also holds true. Some have been propelled by adversity
to break records; they pushed harder and longer; they kept at it, monumental
odds notwithstanding.
Thriving against the odds
Michael Jordan, one of the greatest American
Basket ball players of all time writes: “I have missed more than 9000 shots in
my career. I`ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, i`ve been trusted to take the
game winning shot and missed. I`ve failed over and over again in my life. And
that is why I succeed.” Does this ring a bell?
Well, the fact of the matter is that, many
of the world`s greats the world over chalked great success, in spite of
adversity. That which broke many, served as a catalyst for them. Many
physically challenged individuals such as Nick Vujicic, Esref Armagon, Steve
Wonder, Joni Eareckson Tada, Hellen Keller and a host of others have chalked
great successes in spite of their physical handicap; they consistently choose
(chose) to make the best out of that which life handed over to them. They
choose (chose) to turn lemons into lemonades. They see opportunities, where
others see insurmountable adversity. They are optimists. In the words of Winston
Churchill, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist
sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Adversity should not break you. It
should not derail your dreams and aspirations. It may be a comma in the
sentence of your life but should never be a full stop. Never give up. Don`t
give in to worry and distraction. Rev. Jesse Jackson admonishes, “If you fall
behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the
odds.” Bear Grylls opines, “Survival can be summed up in three words - never
give up. That`s the heart of it really. Just keep trying.”
Admittedly, some adversities can be extremely
demoralizing but you have in you what it takes to thrive. Your potential to
rise above the odds is immense. Adversity can break you, only if you permit it.
In the face of adversity seek the counsel and support of trusted family
members, friends, loved ones and in some cases professional counselors. You may
also opt to read the motivational books and stories to inspire you to keep on
pushing in the face of adversity. Many have been where you are now. They made
it, and they made it big. You can make it to. Learn from their experiences and
be encouraged by their stories of survival and triumph.
Give yourself sometime for seclusion;
not for worry but to give undivided attention to finding a viable solution to
the adversity. Think through the adversity, exploring a variety of options as
to how to deal with it. Stories abound of how some who were faced with seemingly
insurmountable challenges, somehow mustered strength to carry on and in some
cases found lasting solutions during moments of intense reflections on the
matters at hand. It seems to me and some scholars agree that there is virtually
a solution to every adversity. If we will give our undivided attention towards
brainstorming, researching and reflection (hanging on to the belief that we are
well able to thrive) with the aim of finding viable solutions, in most cases
than not, a solution will emerge.
I am also of the conviction that the God
factor is essential in this whole mix. Do give God room to operate; simply
invite him to intervene; ask him for the grace and ideas required to thrive
amidst the torturous adversities of life. Some have found this route to be of
immense help and so can you. You can! Yes, you can thrive in the midst of
adversity; you can break records and set new records; you sure can. History is
littered with many who did and they are no better than you. Thrive in the midst
of adversity. Yes, you can! You sure can!
I
am a freelance writer/ editor, blogger, professional marketer, published author, theologian and
the founder of Top-notch Writing Solutions, Ghana. Click the link below to check out the wide variety of writing and editing solutions i provide (with a high sense of professionalism):
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2119988055858003138#publishedpages
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