All of us get knocked down, but it’s resiliency that really matters. All of us do well when things are going well, but the thing that distinguishes athletes is the ability to do well in times of great stress, urgency and pressure.
~Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback, Super Bowl Champion
Super bowl Sunday I was awakened early in the morning by my telephone ringing. It was my neighbor informing me that water was pouring out of my garage. I soon realized that my garage and several rooms in my home were flooded with water.
I quickly turned off the water to my house and called a restoration company and a plumber.
The plumber informed me that the flood had been caused by a pipe bursting behind my water softener.
I spent Sunday assessing the damage and emptying wet boxes of photos in my garage. The photos triggered many memories and the crisis itself reminded me of other crisis that I have endured in my life.
I have survived and endured a violent alcoholic father, three house fires, serious illnesses and depression, partial deafness, several car crashes and the loss of both my parents.
While sitting in my wet home I felt a profound sadness as tears rolled down my face. As a career counselor I have learned that it is healthy to “feel your feelings.” So I did.
I felt sad and angry because this was not the Superbowl Sunday that I had planned.
I also felt very vulnerable because I had been reminded that in life things can change in a flash either for good or for bad.
Incredibly, several days later I am feeling hopeful and thankful.
I realized that although the flood was upsetting it was minor compared to what the people of New Orleans endured and may still be enduring.
I am thankful that my neighbor cared enough to wake me in time before my entire house flooded.
I am also blessed to be surrounded by such a loving wife and kids and great friends who love me regardless of how wet my house is.
I share my story because I believe that one of the keys to success that is often overlooked is “resiliency.”
Resiliency is like being on a trampoline and bouncing back whenever you are knocked down. Or being like a cartoon that always bounces back to its original shape after being flattened like Gumby and Pokey or Bugs Bunny.
Resiliency is all about developing the ability to keep going despite enduring crisis and setbacks in your life.
We have a choice to keep lying down after we get hit or to get up to face the next round.
Success in life is all about facing new challenges and learning from failures and mishaps and moving on.
Choose to be resilient!
Ironically the theme of resiliency carries over to this year’s Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They were counted out early in the year by many sports pundits, they barely made the playoffs but due to incredible persistence and resiliency they became Superbowl champions.
Although I am a Dallas Cowboys fan I have to admit that the New York Giants are resilient.
Please view the following inspiring message from the Superbowl champion New York Giants regarding “resiliency”
To Your Success,
Paul A. Shope
Your SuccessCurrent Guide
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