“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” –Lou Holtz

Success in life depends on being strong people with clear goals and indomitable spirits. Unfortunately, most of us are not born that way. We grow that way. And that growth can come from deliberately entering into situations that will make us grow, like subscribing to Made for Success, or from the way we react when circumstances are presented to us without our consent. The latter is what we call adversity.

Most of us spend our lives trying to avoid adversity, and I guess that’s for the best. We should not chase adversity, but when it comes, we should welcome it as an enemy that, through our interaction with it, will make us better people. Each contact we have with adversity gives us again the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and forge our character into one that will achieve much later.

With that in mind, here are some thoughts on adversity and how it can help you succeed in every area of ​​your life and achieve your dreams.

Adversity brings out our resources. Horace said, “Adversity reveals genius, prosperity hides it.” When all goes well, we slide. There is not a lot of stress and we do not have to draw too much on the resources that reside within us. But when adversity strikes, we begin to call on any and all resources we have to conquer the current circumstances. Adversity then, keep us alert. It keeps us using our personal muscle, so to speak. That’s a good thing because we grow through the use of our resources.

Adversity unites us with others. Sure, a team can have their issues with each other, but when they step on the court, when they experience the adversity of facing another obstacle, they come together. One for all and all for one, as they say. The next time you experience some kind of adversity, keep your eyes open to see how you can bond with your family, your co-workers, or your team. Then, when you’ve gotten through it, you’ll find a bond that was created that didn’t exist before.

Adversity makes us better people with stronger character. Never underestimate the power of adversity to mold us inside. How will courage, discipline, and perseverance flourish if we are never tested? After adversity, we come out stronger and able to use our character and influence in an even greater way to lead those around us and improve their lives and ours.

Adversity makes life interesting. John Amatt said, “Without adversity, without change, life is dull.” How true. Have you noticed that while we are in the midst of adversity we only long to get out of it, but then spend our entire lives telling it to anyone who will listen? This is because it gives a little life to life. Imagine how boring life would be if everything always worked out, when there was never a mountain to climb.

Question: If you are in the midst of some adversity right now, what resources are you using? Who are you reaching out and working with? What part of your character is being tested and strengthened? What can you do to see this adversity as someone who will be better off on the other side?

Remember the words of Napoleon Hill – “Every adversity, every failure, every anguish carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Believe it, it’s true!