Strong people are made by opposition, like kites that go up against the wind. Frank Harris
It is said that if you want to know the character of a person, see his/ her behavior when they face adversity. Just like iron can be molded when put into fire, we individuals are molded by the fire of adversity that tempers us. How is it that adversity actually proves beneficial to us? The answer lies in the fact that when we are put to the test, with no back up or escape route, that is when we actually use all our strengths, particularly our inner strength to face the difficulties that confront us. It is also the time when those with a weak heart might fail the test and throw in the towel, either by meek surrender or they take the extreme step of suicide.
The most common adversary is competition. Competition is a dreaded word for it means we have to fight for a share of the pie; be it market share, job opportunities or the basic amenities of life. Competition is dreaded because it is nothing but another adversary that one has to fight. Yet, it must be noted that competition is the reason we have variety, improved quality and alternates in the market place. We can be inspired by the new ideas and possibilities that are introduced by the adversary and we can then adopt and adapt them to make our space in the market place. Look at the technological revolution. It has changed the rules of the game.
Adversity also provides us the standards to benchmark ourselves. A strong adversary would force us to pull up our socks be it terms of learning, quality improvement, better customer relations or new product offerings. The same yardstick applied in our personal lives when faced with adversity, would reflect in better interpersonal relations, inspired creative thinking and better work ethics. Adversity provides us the added impetus to push our limits. It is this healthy competition that helps top notch athletes create new world records. In our lives, we may not be recognized by the world for the improvements we make but there is the great thrill of achievement that you can experience yourself, when you see the improvements, changes and achievements that you attain.
It is not just iron that uses the heat of the fire to be molded, but on the other extreme even GOLD is purified in fire and intricate designs, patterns and shapes that adorn and enhance our beauty.
Think Adversity – Think Iron – Think Gold – Be Tough- Grow Strong – Get Rich
Remember: Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” Arthur Golden
Try these:
-
Recollect the low points in your life. How did you meet the challenges posed by these low and depressing times? Were most of the fears and challenges that you visualized at that point, hyped by your wild imagination?
-
Visit a palliative care center / an old age home/ a mental asylum or a hospital. Spend a day trying to cheer up the inmates. Perhaps you will come back with a feeling that you are actually blessed. Now look at your personal worries and put them in the right perspective.
This post is courtesy www.actspot.com
You are also invited to visit our weekly Inspirational and Motivational Blog www.poweract.blogspot.com
