Why Adversity is Important for Success

Quote of the day: 

Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then. -John Wooden

It is often said that fire is the strength of gold, and adversity the test of a man or woman. Adversity can describe a struggle, a difficult or unpleasant situation, a condition marked by a test of our core strengths.  Nothing in life is guaranteed. Our health, ideas, thoughts, love, mobility, choices we make, today and tomorrow, the present and the future included. We are gifted with these things alright but there are no guarantees, and no absolute truths or inflexible realities. Nothing is fixed and there are invariable facts about life. Except the absolute truth that people come and people go and that there are no square circles. A fact that cannot be changed, like the warmth of the sun, or the sparkle of the night stars. Everything about life can be contradictory. The truth can have separate meanings depending on whoever is searching for it. We all have our own truth. But we exist nevertheless, our current path in life dictated by thousands of 'what if' scenarios, we are like characters in a video game and with each move leading to different outcomes.

We fail. We encounter adversity. Just as we all have our own truth, we all have our own dark periods also. And that is as normal as it gets. We fail and we get up. But failing at something can hurt us and leave a deep void not easily refilled. Sometimes success is good but adversity can be a great triumph. And the bigger it is the harder it is to rise up again. There is nothing better than making a comeback form your own decline and defeat. History is filled with men and women who overcame their initial setback. Einstein did not speak a word until he was 4 years old and his teachers thought he wouldn't make anything of himself. And we've all heard of Thomas Edison who failed 10,000 times to create an electric light bulb. And many other such stories thrive around us. We live and learn.

Our troubles don't define us. With different types of adversities -mental, physical, financial or emotional, the aim is not to be overcome by any of it. So keep busy with the knowledge that everything will be fine in the end.

Adversity is important because:

1. When we experience challenging adversity and overcome it we become more stronger and courageous.

2. Gaining strength with each obstacle and problem is a re-occurring theme in life. Being able to rise each time and redirect our energy to positive ideals may help to soar over adversity.

3. Adversity can turn us into a much better and wiser person.

4. Adversity will enhance our weak spots, while sustaining areas of strength and understanding.

5. It teaches us important life lessons.

So no matter what you may be going through, find courage in the little things and areas of life and stand firm and brave in the face of adversity -like a plant growing out of concrete.



Peace. Love. Light* 




Current Listen: Thelonious Monk -I Should Care