Sometimes it is really difficult to find the
positive side of a challenge confronting us. When dealing with adversity - a
career setback, the ending of a long-time relationship or the illness of a
child - it’s hard to believe there is a sunny side or a silver lining to this
experience. But history is full of people who found possibilities through
adversity. Reflecting on their achievements can remind us to look for
opportunities.
If a young Spanish soccer star had not been
injured seriously in a car accident and spent months recuperating in the
hospital, he likely would not have discovered his musical side. The world might
have missed the beautiful voice of Julio Iglesias.
McDonalds and the “golden arches” would not exist
today if Ray Kroc had succeeded in his first several ventures. Instead they
ended in bankruptcy prior to his opportune meeting the McDonald brothers and
purchasing a little hamburger stand to later become the world’s preeminent fast
food franchise.
Had Walt Disney not failed in his initial dreams
to the point of bankruptcy, the magic of the Magic Kingdom and the hundreds of
Disney related businesses would not exist today.
"Every adversity, every failure, and every
heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit."
- Napoleon Hill
It’s the tough to take, but sometimes we are
taught lessons that will benefit us. Allow yourself to be open to what life is
teaching you and apply it later when the opportunity presents itself.
Many challenges were not insurmountable to begin
with, they only needed a little creativity or fortitude and a gentle nudge from
the creative side in you. Allowing yourself to have positive and affirming
outlook sometimes seems contrary to what is expected of us today. We are taught
to belittle ourselves to seem normal lest we seem too full of ourselves.
Modesty gets in the way and we are expected to play down our strengths and play
up our weaknesses to help us fit in.
Maintain
the attitude and mindset of a creative problem solver. Learn to develop
opportunity awareness. Think about possible benefits and opportunities hidden
even in adversity or hardship. Learn to visualize any negative situation as an
opportunity for metamorphosis like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.Sometimes
creativity calls for looking at a combination of things that you had not
thought of previously.
With the help of inspirational quotes from people
like McDonalds, Disney and MacGyver, allow yourself to find opportunity awareness
even in the midst of challenges or tragedy.
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