From our first day on earth until our last, we face different
levels of adversity. Adversity may be sickness, a property
loss, or the loss of a family member. It may be a lost career
promotion or a business setback. How we handle these
adversities defines how we achieve greatness in our lives.
Let me share the story of James Blake, who overcame
multiple adversities — more than most of us would ever
experience in a lifetime — and yet achieved greatness. James
Blake is a world class professional tennis player enjoying
fame and making a six-figure income. However, in his
childhood, he developed a rare disease that required him to
wear a body brace for years. Other kids teased him, calling
him Iron Man from the Marvel Comic Books, and he felt
left out. During this time, he concentrated on his academics,
read a wide variety of books, and developed himself as a
well-rounded person. He also developed a heightened
awareness for others who are going through difficult times.
Once he had the brace removed, he learned to play tennis
with an intense passion not exhibited by many other tennis
players, because he appreciated the opportunity to finally
play tennis. He didnt take this opportunity for granted. He
attended Harvard and became the #1 player on their tennis
team.
As a promising professional player, adversity struck again.
In 1994, while practicing for a major tournament, he slipped
and fell forward striking his neck against the metal pole that
holds the tennis net. Jamess doctor said that had James not
slightly turned his head, James would have broken his
vertebra and become paralyzed from the neck down. Instead,
he was hospitalized with a fractured vertebra, blurred vision,
and dizziness.
While in the hospital, James did much soul searching. Many
family members and friends came by to offer encouragement,
advice, and support. His coach was a constant bedside
companion and finally asked James, Do you want to play
tennis again? James said yes, and they developed a plan
to start his comeback.
With the support of family, friends, and his coach, James
started his comeback step by painful step. At first when he
tried to play tennis, he still had to overcome his blurred
vision and dizziness. He had doubts whether he would ever
handle the 125 mph plus serves of his opponents.
Then he suffered another setback. During his rehabilitation,
his father, with whom he had a very close relationship,
developed cancer and passed away. During his fathers
sickness, James was by his side. After his father passed
away, James was devastated. However, he regrouped and
carried on with the support of his mother, family, friends, and
coach.
He returned to playing professional tennis, and there were
many more losses than wins. But he stayed focused and
determined and progressively improved. He began playing
the top professional players competitively, and he began
winning against the top players. Then he once again started
winning tournaments. After this long journey, James became
one of the top players in the world.
What can we learn from James Blakes journey through
adversity to greatness? The following are three keys to
making adversity work for you:
1. If it Doesnt Kill You, It Makes you Stronger
Many times we face adversities and say, If only I can make
it through this. It may be a sickness, loss of a loved one,
job loss, etc. By remaining focused, determined, and
concentrating on the positive, many times you can become
stronger.
Parents are now sheltering their children against any little
adversity for fear it might be painful. I say allow your
children to grow up and stop sheltering them from
adversity. Teach them how to make adversity work for them.
These adversities and the way they handle the adversities
will define who they are and prepare them for challenges in
the future. Some of our greatest business leaders, scientists,
engineers, inventors, humanitarians, and sport heroes
became the people they are because they overcame
adversity.
2. Adversity Often Develops Unknown Talents
Once the door of adversity closes one opportunity to you,
the door of greatness often opens another. James Blake, first
during his sicknesses and then after, developed his
awareness of helping other unfortunate people. Now he
runs free tennis programs for disadvantaged children.
Before his sickness, James was not known for his
concentration and focus on the tennis court. After his
sickness, he developed and became known for his mental
toughness. When experiencing adversity, ask yourself,
What positive thing can come out of this?
3. Adversity Rallies Your Resources
While James was sick, many resources arrived to help him.
First, he had the time to step back to reflect on his life, goals,
mission, and values. Second, he was able to obtain sound
advice from family, friends, and others that he might not
have been able to receive while traveling on the road. His
setbacks allowed him to take time to summon resources
(advice, help, etc.) he would not have realized if he had been
traveling non-stop. He made his downtime work for him.
When adversity comes, dont avoid it; attack adversity with
all your resources. The way you manage adversity will
define who you are and ready you for future opportunities,
because adversity can be your seed of greatness.
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