Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives.
"Anything the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve." Napoleon Hill
It's not a question of whether adversity is going to come – it will. You have to be mentally prepared to handle it or it will crush you. To counteract the panicked state induced at such a time, I often recall ideas from my favorite success book, Napoleon Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich, first published in 1937 toward the end of last century's Great Depression. It was Hill’s culmination of 20 years' worth of interviews with successful Americans and has many great ideas for staying positive – something worth turning to when facing difficult times.
Below are some quotes, which I offer with one caveat. In the style of his time, Hill writes to a masculine audience. I am quoting him directly, but his advice applies equally to both sexes.
"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."
Although it may come in hindsight, Hill claims that every crisis fosters an opportunity. What might it be for you? Do you need a new approach to your marketplace? Really get yourself in shape rather than just talking about it? Improve your relationships with family and friends?
"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat."
Again, what is the opportunity in the adversity you're facing? Typically this involves developing yourself in some manner.
"Before success comes in any man's life, he's sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That's exactly what the majority of men do."
The key word is "temporary" – no matter how difficult things may get, they will get better.
"Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure."
Can you take that next step, even if you feel you're in the dark, don't know what's going to happen on the road less taken?
