“It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi

Face it: Life is tough sometimes.  It can kick you in the teeth when you least expect it and there is no fairness to it.  Even worse, many times there isn’t anything you can even do about it – especially in the world of business.  Competitors, clients, even peers can throw curve balls that completely unhinge the progress you’ve made.

Sounds like fun, eh?

Actually, yes! Especially if we look at it from a different angle.  Consider this:

If we don’t face challenges, how can we achieve successes?

As humans, we’re naturally inclined to want to win.  Whether it was as kids on a ball field or as adults competing to make a sale, winning brings feelings of fulfillment – success – power!

Yes, there is definitely a feeling of power when we emerge on top.  The adrenaline pumps through our bodies and our minds race with glory.  In that moment, we feel unstoppable and have the momentum to take on the next challenge.

Admit it, the feeling of success is a power trip! 

It’s contagious so these words might even be elevating your own adrenaline.

Now, let’s make that connection.  When your business or career is hitting a rough patch, the inclination is to be swallowed by it.  It sucks, and you are going to let everyone know it.  The more you feel the weight of the issue, the larger it becomes.

Then, the hits keep coming.  More and more issues arise and the “why me’s” become roadblocks stopping all momentum.  Everything is going to hell and you seem to be at a loss as to how to turn it around.  Here’s the secret – don’t buy into the victim mindset.  The truly successful people rarely play the victim because whatever they are facing becomes an opportunity for further growth.  Model yourself after them and channel those hits back into your internal drive to succeed.

Let’s go back to the opening quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi.

Knockdowns are going to happen.  Getting up is a choice.

You may be bruised and getting up may even be a huge effort but it’s not impossible.  Use the secret super power you have at your disposal.  Don’t wallow in the tough times. Harness those challenges and strategically turn them into wins.

Use the power of successes to break through the hits.

This is a very personal mantra of mine because I’ve heard countless stories of peers, (and supervisors, family members and friends), undermining others’ hard work.  Hey, it’s even happened to me more times than I can count.  It’s a truly terrible feeling but I do whatever I can to keep my own momentum going.  Their insecurities and issues aren’t going to push me off my path.  In fact, harnessing that stress into new, even more creative efforts becomes a powerful driving force to succeed.  If I can do it, so can you!  Keep reaching for your own Ideal Future – Roe