[June 22, 2018] There’s a common saying in among U.S. Army Rangers and other highly-trained soldiers that tells us a lot about their outlook on life. It goes something like this, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”1 They tell us that adversity reveals character in soldiers; that the best of them will do everything in their power to complete their mission regardless of obstacles.
“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” – William Arthur Ward, American author, editor, pastor, and teacher
Adversity is a great teacher. It slaps us upside our head and does an attitude adjustment on us … often by surprise. Overcoming it can be a daunting task. Some people excel under such circumstances and we call them heroes. Others falter under adversity and mentally melt away under those stresses.
But it’s more than simply succeeding or failing that is at issue today. Adversity reveals the inner-most strength we all have (or don’t have). When I deployed the first time into combat with my military unit, none of us knew what would happen when our time came to fight the enemy head-on. Would we be cowards? Would we do the right thing?
We all knew when deployed to combat what was right and what was wrong. We also knew that when under great pressure that knowing what is right and doing what is right are completely two different things. We didn’t want to be that person who ran away as a coward or made a judgment call that was unethical, illegal, or immoral.
Adversity reveals character in ways that we are only just beginning to comprehend in the study of human nature. For those who study the phenomenon, it has always been a fascinating subject and one of great interest to very senior military leaders. They want, of course, to be able to predict what soldiers do in combat.
Experience helps but there doesn’t seem to be any truly good predictor that tells us well in advance what will be revealed by adversity. The solution for leaders is to train our people, take care of them, and be there when they need you.
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- Attributed to Joseph P. Kennedy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_P._Kennedy_Sr.
I believe we have all faced innumerable challenges in our lives. Some of us may even have turned adversity into inspiration.
We train our soldiers under much hard work to make them better and more obey their orders.
Real world subject. Thank you Gen Satterfield.
Perfect … “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” One of my personal favorites. Luckily I had adversity kick me in teeth a number of times. Yep, I write lucky because I am better for it. I understand priorities of life and never let the small stuff get me down.
Thanks Gen. Satterfield for your astute view of the human condition. When I read your blog, i find it revealing, as always … thanks.
James Allen makes the point also that “adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” Great point. See his article here:
https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-quotes/6514-adversity-does-not-build-ch-
The title of your post today Gen Satterfield says a lot about the subject matter and sage advice to all. Adversity does reveal one’s character as does any stressor in our lives. Long a known human motivator, adversity is what makes us human, a person of good character, and a person who is happy. Happiness is truly knowing you can achieve great things and only through experience can this be accomplished.
Found another article with the same title. (on sports): https://hawkeyeheaven.net/news/adversity-reveals-character/
Gen Satterfield’s article is better. Thanks Georgie for your comment that this truly sage advice.
I’m a reader of this blog for years and find it consistently educational and entertaining. I’m also part of this website’s Australian fan club.
Welcome Joe. It is an honor to hear from those of you from Down Under. Much appreciated.
Cheers from Australia
A good book to read on this subject is Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy. The bottom line of the authors’ book is that to truly find joy in one’s life, one must also face adversity head-on with your head held high.
Kenny, you’re right. Here is a link to Amazon that has the book: https://www.amazon.com/Option-Adversity-Building-Resilience-Finding-ebook/dp/B01N8R5QD7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1529677902&sr=8-2&keywords=adversity&dpID=41TRSozXnsL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
I read it just a few months ago. It’s a recent publication, 2017 and worth a future review here at https://www.theleadermaker.com. Just a suggestion, Gen Satterfield.
another look at how to overcome adversity
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Adversity
Stephen Covey said that “Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition – such as lifting weights – we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” Well said and on point to what Brig Gen Satterfield is writing about today.
If you believe obstacles will hold you back, they will hold you back. That is why those who have overcome adversity are the best of the best among us. Too many people fear adversity and they, frankly, are not living.
Adversity is the builder of great leaders. Nothing else can make it so.
Max … you have a way with words that makes me laugh and think at the same time.
Being alive and free means having to endure adversity. But that is what life is really about. Without adversity we are just a pimple on the butt of society.
Go Max! Great comment. I, like you, have met many of these snowflakes that go to college and refuse to adventure outside their bubble. My problem is with the college that allows it and encourages it. This is one of the biggest failures in leadership of my generation.
Good article today Gen Satterfield. Thanks.
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” Walt Disney. I couldn’t have been said better. Adversity makes us better, stronger, and more humble.
… and people wonder why military training is so hard !
It’s all about facing your fears. I know that they teach this in the military and as they should.
Well said. 😉
I loved it. You have given us some sound advice before and thanks for that. Today’s post is profound in many ways. Most people don’t know that the trials in our lives are what makes us who we are and strengthens us.
Good post this morning. Thank you Gen Satterfield.
I agree with General Satterfield. Cheers!