I believe the answer to this question depends on where you happen to be in the stages of adversity. It's extremely difficult to see any advantages to adversity when the situation first occurs or, for that matter, when you are right in the middle of it. However, after the adversity is over most will look back and see that they learned something as a result of going through it. The key to minimizing the impact of adversity is to believe and accept that all life experiences have purpose for us.
Energy Performance Tip: Years ago I heard a minister preach on the 23rd Psalm. I was struck by one particular point he made, "It's easy to feel good when we are in the green pastures, beside the waters of refreshment. It feels great up there, but we learn the most about ourselves and life when we go down into the valley." The Dr. Bob translation is, "It's easy to feel good about our achievements and success when things are going well. It's when we hit the barriers that we gain the greatest knowledge, growth and energy. If you've been in business very long you have experienced barriers - both the barriers the marketplace provides and the people barriers. Here are some thoughts on how to handle adversity.
1) Minimize the impact of the adversity and the energy loss by seeing it as a learning experience. 2) As much as possible keep the adversity as logical as you can. Anger, fear, frustration, etc. only uses more energy and delays any real decisions that need to be made.
3) Always ask yourself - "What do I need to do to move forward in this situation?" It's not what others are doing to me, it's what I choose to do about it.
4) If the adversity involves another person refrain from getting into conflict with that person. When people get into conflict they are generally wanting to determine who is "right" and who is "wrong," rather than solving the problem.
"A problem is a chance to do your best." - Duke Ellington
"A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure." - Anon
"Forget the times of your distress, but never forget what they taught you." - Herbert Gasser
Energy Development Tip: If you face difficulty or adversity this week ask yourself this question before you react - "What do I need to do to use my energy effectively in this situation?" Look for the solutions, don't magnify the problems. Keep in mind that energy doesn't care how it is used - you can use it for anger, frustration and fear or use it to discover the direction YOU need to take.
Note from Rev. Tom: Most of us have run out of "gas" trying to resolve our anger, frustrations, fears, etc. If your is this situation, you can reload with "hi-test" using our TeleClear Prosperity program. It's quick, effective and permanent. Learn more.
"To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage." - W. Clement Stone
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
And my favorite:
"What the caterpillar calls a tragedy, the Master calls a butterfly." - Richard Bach
