A wounded deer leaps the highest.

– Emily Dickenson

Adversity is defined by the way you perceive it. For much of the history of mankind, hunger was the ultimate adversity. We were hungry every day. As hunters and gatherers, tribes of humans were forced to find sources of food for survival. Today, when we are hungry, we look upon it as an opportunity to dine on delicious food.

Let’s face it. Nobody likes problems. But, can you imagine life without any adversity? It actually sounds boring. You know, it’s usually in times of trial that we rise to the occasion and reveal our grit, determination, humanity and inner strength.

When you look at the history of the United States, it was really created through adversity.

The first immigrants, the Pilgrims, came because of religious persecution. Revolt, famine, disease. Tremendous adversity led to the founding of a great nation. Adversity led to opportunity.

Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle. – Chinese Proverb

There is no “if” in adversity, only “when.” So, be prepared and don’t allow problems to consume you and never allow unexpected troubles to sidetrack you from your goals.

EXERCISE

Go back over adversity in your own life. Pay particular notice to the manner in which the issues arose; the sequence of events that resulted. List five examples of adversity you have faced.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________  Opportunity for _______________________________________________________________                         
2. _____________________________________________________________________________ Opportunity for _______________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________ Opportunity for _______________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________ Opportunity for _______________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________________ Opportunity for _______________________________________________________________                        

Now, go through each of the examples of adversity and list any adjustments or changes you may have made as a result in the box provided below. Name influential people you met as a direct result of the issue. List growth that occurred. Note any shifts in direction within your life. Examine the sequence of events to uncover any connections with the adversity that may now be providing you a more informed, self-confident and positive existence. It will be rare if your bouts with adversity didn’t provide any insight or growth opportunities. So often we remember only the trauma of the adversity and not the benefits that result.

After a thorough review of the opportunities gained from your adversity, return to your original list and apply a tag or title that labels the opportunity that arose from the

adversity. Make sure the tag represents the adversity in a new positive light. For example, say you lost a true love because of an instance of infidelity. You have now learned the error of your way and understand the importance of integrity in your relationships. You might tag the adversity as an “Opportunity for a meaningful, honest and lasting relationship.”

We have a problem. “Congratulations.”

But it’s a tough problem. “Then double congratulations.”

– W. Clement Stone

Nothing happens completely by chance. So, if something is wrong in your life, take the opportunity to examine the reasons the problem is occurring. What is it revealing? What does it tell us about our choices in life? The beliefs we hold? The actions we’ve taken? There is a lesson here somewhere and

it’s our duty to find it, own up to our own responsibility and flex our mental strength in overcoming the adversity.