When the Odds Are Against You

It’s true that no one knows you better than youBeat_The_Odds know yourself. But how well do you really know your true nature? That probably depends on how much you’ve lived through. If life’s been relatively easy, you may have no idea what you’re made of.

Think about it. It’s easy to be kind, patient, and generous when everything is going well. But what if you lose your job or suffer a debilitating accident? Will you still be generous? Will you be kind to those who try to help you, or resentful because they aren’t going through the challenges you’re facing?

Helen Keller wrote in her journal, “Character cannot be revealed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

These are insightful words. I think it’s particularly important to note that she says that adversity inspires ambition. After all, if you never face adversity, what’s going to drive you to achieve your dream or fight for your cause? Chances are good you’ll leave the tough jobs for someone else to do, as you drift easily through your comfortable (and probably boring!) life.

If you have experienced challenges though, you’ve had a chance to test your limits. Adversity is what inspires you to find new ways to do things, to reevaluate why you’re doing them, and push through until you succeed. Plus, you develop a better understanding of who you really are.

Paul Newman also said something important about character: “A man with no enemies is a man with no character.” In other words, we shouldn’t just form our opinions of others based on who their friends are. We should also look at who and what they stand against.

For example, a few years ago, my friend started a small charity. He managed to set up a meeting with a fairly wealthy donor and flew to Edmonton to meet him. When they met, my friend sat down with the potential donor and explained his charity, what they were working towards, and what they stood for. The meeting was going great; the donor seemed excited and engaged.

But then he looked at my friend thoughtfully and asked, “In what ways have you and your organization been attacked and opposed?” My friend was happy to report that he had received nothing but support.

But the donor looked disappointed. He said, “Well, that’s too bad. If your charity really amounts to something, you’ll get your share of opposition. When that happens, come back, and I’ll be happy to donate to your cause.” With that, the meeting ended.

My friend flew home, a little confused. But the longer he thought about it, the more he understood the donor’s decision. Seasoned leaders understand that until we’ve met strong opposition, our character’s never truly been tested.

When was the last time you met adversity in your life? When it happened, what did you learn about yourself?

17 thoughts on “When the Odds Are Against You

  1. This jumped right out and screamed “read me”! :) Mainly b/c this my message with purpose, too. Love learning more and more from you, Claude. Thanks

  2. It has taken me a really long to come to terms with this truth. As a result it has crippled me in many key areas of my life. Learning to absorb and apply this truth is very helpful and life changing for my future.

    Thank you

    • ITS VERY TRUE THAT OPPOSTION AND CRITICISM IS SOMETHING WE IGNORE OR RUN
      FROM, BECAUSE HUMANS ARENT EXACTLY VERY EDIFYING…OR TACTFUL. THEY JUST

      SEE THE ERROR AND BLURT IT OUT….

      SO WE NEED INNER WISDOM TO NOT REACT BUT RESPOND IN WISDOM

      AS A TME OF LEARNING…..I WELCOME LEARNING…THEREFORE I AM LEARNING

      AND HAVING THESE THINGS HAPPEN TO ME.

      IF NOT….I GUESS IM NOT BREATHING OR LEARNING….OR BOTH.

      HAVE A GREAT DAY….WISDOM IS NEVER OUT OF ST YLE..LIKE BREATHING ON EARTH.

      PAUL JOHN CHARRON PGA/CANADA TEAM-LIFE

  3. About 2 months ago, I learned my wife and daughter felt I wasn’t a good husband or Dad. I’ve done some soul searching, reading, listening, discussing where I’ve been lacking and have found that it’s way too much to change quickly for me. They have given me time to prove myself, and I hope they respect my efforts. I’ve learned there’s so much more involved in being a good Dad or husband than I thought. Jesus is helping me on this journey – without his help and the Lord’s grace, I may have given up. Thank you for discussing such important topics Claude, have a great day everyone!

  4. Great blog … We shouldn’t pray for less obstacles, but for courage to grow above them. Thanks for the reminder.

  5. CLAUDE: ABSOLUTELY ,, THE MOTHER LOAD…..WE HAVE TO LEARN FROM OPPOSITION

    IN STRENGTH TRAINING…..WE NEED PUT WEIGHT ON OPPOSING MUSCLES

    TO PUT LOAD ON THEM…..THEN THEY EXPAND…BUT NEED LOAD ON THEM

    TO EXPAND THEM….FREE WEIGHTS

    HAVE A GREAT DAY….BEING OPPOSED AND STRENGTHENED…

    PAUL JOHN CHARRON PGA/CANADA TEAM-LIFE

  6. Claude,

    Very thought provoking, inspiring and well written post. Your articles always resonate in the hearts and minds of those in need. Thank you!

    Ben

  7. Being involved in sports my whole life I’ve always been inspired by this quote – “Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” Being on the playing field with LIFE Leadership I’ve also learned tons about myself in systematically building into others selflessly through adversity. Thanks Claude for the constant encouragement. :)

  8. Those are great thoughts, Claude.
    I remember when we had to make a choice, it was the loyalty and love of the few that helped make the choice easier. This was particularly true when the many made other choices and criticized and condemned us for making the choice to stand with the few. We’ve never regretted our choice to stand with the few a day since.

  9. Great blog Claude – I particularly like the Helen Keller quote. 1 of the things I admire about LIFE Leadership is that the leadership always is seeking to stretch and grow vs being comfortable with current state.

    Thank you for leading by example and inspiring many (myself included) to not seek comfort, but to seek opportunity.

  10. “It’s easy to be kind, patient, and generous when everything is going well” great words. Will u crumble under the pressure or RISE and conquer.

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