Sun Tzu says, “On difficult ground; press on.”Everyone faces adversity.
We’re still in the early part of a New Year. There are several ways people will approach the rest o this year. Some will say “so what, nothing ever changes.” Some will worry that next year will be even worse than last year. Some will resign themselves to lost chances and figure their time is past. Some will worry about losing anything or everything they may have gained over the last year.
Not me.
I’m going to be annoyingly optimistic. I’m going to take negatives and make them positives. Debts will be repaid and profits are waiting in abundance. I’m going to change some things next year; and strengthen some of the changes I made over the past year. I’m going to build on my successes. I’m going to take failures and make them additional successes.
How? I’m going to keep pressing on.
I must be stupid. Oil prices are going up, the world’s a mess, kids are out of control, there’s violence everywhere, we’re at war against foreign enemies and one another at home, politicians are idiots and it’s tougher to do business every year…
…So what else is new?
One of my favorite quotations is from Gene Krantz, the NASA Flight Director in charge of the Apollo 13 mission. After every expert in Mission Control had laid out the reasons the crew was doomed, Krantz looked them all in the eyes and said, “Failure is not an option!”
Failure is, however, an option. It’s up to you to eliminate it as an option. How am I so sure that I will be successful in 2008? I’m choosing that as my only option. I know I’m facing difficult ground in the New Year; I’ve spent the last year preparing for it. I know I’ll face difficult ground in 2009, I’ll spend the next year preparing for it.
There are always going to be conditions and circumstances beyond my control. What is fully within my control is to constantly improve myself, diligently prepare myself to receive new opportunities and to commit to the unwavering decision that on difficult ground, I will press on.
That’s what I’m putting in my plan for the rest of this year. What’s in yours?
Jim is the author of Dynamic Components of Personal Power.
Jim Bouchard
Dynamic Components of Personal Power
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I love that movie (Apollo 13).
You’re absolutely right Jim, everyday we can choose how we’re going to be. Cut out the negative self talk, choose to handle difficult situations positively and recognise that how we react in every situation is a choice.
Too many people use the first hurdle they come up against as a reason to stop. Creating your best life is about overcoming the obstacles that life continually challenges us with.
Great Post!
Craig
Craig,
Thanks for the kind comments!
At a recent presentation one of the participants raised her hand and said, “I’m really enjoying your message, but how do you deal when everything is really hitting the fan?”
I said, “You’re talking to the right guy!”
All of us face challenges. Each of us has the same basic choice: Quit or Keep Going! That’s why it’s so important for people to access motivational speakers like yourself, to read inspirational books and find movies with a great message like Apollo 13.
Some will say that speakers, books & movies really can’t make a difference. To them I say, OK, then read books full of desperation, watch reality TV and listen to people who tell you that life sucks!
Does that help?
I don’t ask speakers, authors and actors to do the work for me; I simply appreciate the inspiration and that helps me to keep going.
Mentors and advisers are also key people on your success team. Pick people who have “walked the walk.” When I give someone advice about getting through a tough time I know what I’m talking about: I’ve been there! I’ll be there again! Now I know better how to handle it.
Please keep up the great work and if you’d like, get in touch with me! Maybe we can work together to help spread this message!
Best,
Jim
great minds surely think alike!
I am currently at this stage right now.. I feel like I’m the brink of something exciting and that would be real change with a positive mindset. In searching to open my mind and see the possibilities that come with the decision to succeed, I am starting to realize that yes – when you eliminate failure as an option, what you’re at is a different picture. You know – a “no floor? swing across” philosophy.
I agree with this statement “There are always going to be conditions and circumstances beyond my control. What is fully within my control is to constantly improve myself, diligently prepare myself to receive new opportunities and to commit to the unwavering decision that on difficult ground, I will press on.”
so wholeheartedly and I wish you the very best on the way up in your life.
I am working on doing the same
Change Your Thoughts right?
great minds surely think alike!
I am currently at this stage right now.. I feel like I’m the brink of something exciting and that would be real change with a positive mindset. In searching to open my mind and see the possibilities that come with the decision to succeed, I am starting to realize that yes – when you eliminate failure as an option, what you’re at is a different picture. You know – a “no floor? swing across” philosophy.
I agree with this statement “There are always going to be conditions and circumstances beyond my control. What is fully within my control is to constantly improve myself, diligently prepare myself to receive new opportunities and to commit to the unwavering decision that on difficult ground, I will press on.”
so wholeheartedly and I wish you the very best on the way up in your life.
I am working on doing the same
Change Your Thoughts right?
Sounds like you’re more than on your way.
Best thoughts always,
Jim
“I’m going to be annoyingly optimistic.” That’s a very bold and cool statement to make. I like it. I don’t want to stop chasing my dreams. I am going to be extremely excited for this year too!
KEEP GOING!
Visit my website at http://www.JimBouchard.org and you can download a free goal-setting program: NEW YEAR REVOLUTION. Much of that program centers on setting goals you’re excited about!
Best thoughts,
Jim
You’re right, failure is an option. It’s your choice if you want to follow that path or you have to take action to change and follow a path towards success. Failures make you strong. So don’t quit, keep on achieving your goals!
failure, lower case “f” is not only an option, it’s inevitable. When you’re out there taking your shots you’re going to fail.
Capitol “F” Failure is not to be accepted! As Phil says, “don’t quit.”
“Failure is NOT an option.” Gene Kranz, Mission Control Flight Director, NASA during the Apollo 13 crises.
Best thoughts!
Jim