Adversity or Opportunity?

Within a few seconds after birth, a baby giraffe struggles to its feet. Shortly afterward, however, the mother will knock it over from that first wobbly stance. This process is repeated each time the baby struggles to its feet until the young giraffe has the strength to stand in a firm and unwavering position. What seems like an unkind and cruel act is in fact of vital importance to the survival of the young animal. It is, in fact, an act of love by the mother for its child. For the baby giraffe, the world is a dangerous place and it must quickly learn how to respond to unexpected challenges and get back up on its feet. Now I don’t imagine that the baby giraffe welcomes being knocked around or particularly thanks Mom for the experience. I doubt that the little guy understands that there is an important lesson being learned.

Is there perhaps a life principle here that we try to avoid as well?  What does “failure” teach us?  Should we avoid it at all costs?  Does failure chip away at our fragile egos and lessen our chances of ultimate success?  Is it Satan who always causes our failures and God who always wants us to win?

Research shows us that entrepreneurs fail an average of 3.8 times before they finally make it in a business venture.  They recognize that three steps forward and two steps backward still have a net result of one step of progress.  If you can decide to see your own “failures” as a necessary part of your progress, you will separate yourself from the average person and put yourself into the category of potential high achiever.

"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant."  Horace

Most people try to avoid failure like a bad disease.  They cringe at the prospect and may stay in a safe but unchallenging position, an unfulfilling job, a familiar but boring car, at the bottom of the hill as others master the peak.  

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”  Henry Ford

Embrace failure as a legitimate step in the right direction.  See it as a stepping stone toward the success you want.  

From the Bible

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”  Proverbs 24:10 (KJV)

Direction for Today:

Describe a time when you felt you were being “knocked down” only to realize later that the experience saved you or made you wiser.