Can you look back at the challenges you’ve been through and recall how each one has brought a new kind of strength into your life? Sam has survived economic downturns and career changes. Heidi has survived divorce and raising teenagers. We all have challenges that could make us hesitant to move forward with confidence, or tempt us to look back with bitterness, regret, or self-pity.
Heidi: I have survived a divorce and raised two teenage sons. So what? A lot of women have been challenged far more than I have. Besides, I’ve found that bitterness makes you brittle, regret stunts your growth, and self-pity makes you…boring!
Sam: Without challenges, life is meaningless. Those who are not challenged can’t feel the joy of overcoming a challenge. Things that come easy don’t teach us anything.
So…do you let your challenges strengthen you?
Every difficult decision draws upon your inner sense of integrity. Every disagreement is an opportunity to more fully understand. Every disappointment helps you see what truly matters to you. Every mistake offers a chance to examine your most deeply held values and make a better choice. If we keep reminding ourselves that we are flawed mortals, not superhuman marvels, we can learn to be more patient with our failings, and use our mistakes as learning opportunities.
Heidi: I really hate to make mistakes. My fear of failure has caused me to miss out on some exciting opportunities. I have to learn that making an attempt and not doing it perfectly is better than not trying at all.
Sam: I used to be concerned about making mistakes. But now I realize that mistakes are the lessons necessary to succeed. Nothing ventured; nothing gained.
So…do you learn from your mistakes?
(Written by Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen, authors of TheSmartestWay™ to Succeed Series and TheSmartestWay™ to Save—Why You Can’t Hang on to Money and What to Do About It.)
