[October 25, 2017] At the fall of the city of Saigon, May 1975, thousands made a miraculous escape from advancing communist North Vietnamese forces. The story of one family, with young children in tow, recently captivated a group of military veterans with their exploits of their escape, terror, miracles, and adversity suffered and, of course, how they endured.
Adversity is invaluable to the development of our character. Leaders who have experienced true adversity in their lives and profession are often held up as examples of tenacity, spirit, and – as often the case – as trustworthy leaders. Knowing them is often an honor in itself.
“There is nothing better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” – Unknown
The concept that people can profit from adversity is well known; less known however is that those very ideas are universal in application. Below are seven of those ideas. I’m sure you will recognize them from your own personal adversities, large and small, in life.
- It’s all up to you. Only you can make something out of your life. Others can help but you remain in charge.
- Collect life’s lessons from what you’ve done and others experienced.
- Recognize that nothing in your past can prevent you from future successes.
- Look up! Shoot for something higher; aspirations are contagious.
- Declare your intentions and aspirations with others and do so publically.
- Have the humility to make the changes in yourself that are necessary to adapt from those mistakes, failures, and losses.
- Start now. Do not wait for a “better” or more convenient time.
The tiny Vietnamese girl on that day in May of 1975, now grown, stood before us to say thanks to the U.S. veterans who fought in that war. She pulled us into her personal orbit rarely seen these days. She is a dedicated advocate for what those vets did and how they fought for her freedom and for that of her family.
Adversity defines us as leaders. As my old Drill Sergeant used to say regarding the pain, humiliation, and disrespect we all experienced as soldiers after the fall of the country of South Vietnam, “It builds your character and your future but only if you’re crazy enough to profit from it.”
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]