From the introduction to THINK Like a BLACK BELT…
“The recession has affected the entire world. Our world is now completely connected and inter-dependent. The global economy is no longer a dream or specter depending on your perspective; it’s a reality that we all should try to understand that we all have to live with. Conditions and circumstances well beyond you control can dramatically affect and impact your life no matter where you live or work.
“Some pundits predict the imminent collapse of the ‘American Way.’ Others are saying our position as a world power has wavered and we are beginning a period of inevitable decline. Our day in the sun is over.
“I say…BULLSHIT!”
Have we lost our collective sense of self-esteem and self-confidence? Where is the America that against all odds defeated tyranny and formed the first functional democratic republic in the world? Where is the America that sacrificed everything to defeat Hitler and Japan?
We’ve been down before, but never out. We survived a Civil War and the Great Depression. We transformed ourselves through the Civil Rights Movement and redefined ourselves following the 9/11 attacks.
I don’t believe America will accept any prognostications of doom. I know Americans will not accept defeat; at least not the Americans I know and admire. These Americans are not celebrities or national leaders; they’re YOU.
Americans who are struggling to pay the mortgage or pay the rent and keep going at it every day. Americans who are risking their own blood, sweat and tears to keep businesses going in tough times and going without so others can keep working. Americans who continue to pay taxes on paper profits and still find a dollar or an hour to serve their local charities, coach youth football and keep after-school programs going.
Most of you can know the Americans I’m talking about. They live and work with you, and at least one of them is looking right back at ya in your own bathroom mirror.
Let others accept defeat. In martial arts we say “Knocked down seven times? Get up eight!” You can win, but to win you’ve got to stay in the ring. Nobody has ever won by throwing in the towel.
Ultimately, self-esteem is the product of consistent achievement. Much of the time, achievement is the result of perseverance. Some of the time survival is an achievement in itself.
I remember getting really rocked in the ring one time. I was hit so hard I was literally out on my feet. I was stuck in the corner and could see every single punch that smashed my face, but I could not lift my arms to protect myself.
Eventually I was able to cover and survive the round. I lost the fight, but I learned that I could take punishment that before I could only imagine. I figured if I could weather that beating, I could take just about anything and stay on my feet!
We’ve taken some hits the past few years and we’re still standing. Now let’s get back in the ring and take our next shot.
The champion isn’t the guy who has never been knocked down. The champion is the guy who keeps getting back up.
“The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That’s real glory. That’s the essence of it.” Vince Lombardi
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THIS TUESDAY’s LESSON: Resilience 401 with David Klein, the “real candyman” and the inventor of Jelly Belly and Chris Treece, elite athlete, radio host and author of Driven: Overcoming Adversity and Hardship to Becoming Successful.”
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Loved this article Jim. Brought back my patriotism from my 21 years in the Air Force. It reminded me of a speech I presented many years ago while in the Air Force, along these same lines.
Bob
Thanks Bob! HEY…time to get together and get caught up. Give me a shout!