Life can seem — and even be — so unfair at times.
“But it wasn’t my fault” or “This or that happened, and I had no control” are words we often hear from others. Perhaps, from time-to-time, even from ourselves.
Sometimes, these “out of my control” incidents actually could have been avoided had we taken preventative actions. Yes, I got caught in traffic, but had I given myself extra time, I still would have made the appointment with room to spare.
Other times, it really was out of our control and we simply have to deal with the consequences … anyway.
How we deal with those consequences not only tells us about ourselves, it also tells others about us.
In a recent article by my friend, Michael A. Aun, an ultra-successful entrepreneur, long-time professional speaker and mentor to many, he tells the following story:
“I was fortunate enough to win the World Championship of Public Speaking for Toastmasters International in 1978 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I also won the same contest in 1977 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but was disqualified because I went eight seconds over my allotted time limit. I was literally announced as the winner and then was disqualified for going eight seconds overtime. I got a standing ovation in the middle of the speech. It lasted eight seconds. That was a bitter pill to swallow, but I learned that you have to go through Toronto to get to Vancouver. You have to experience setbacks in your life before you’ll ever embrace victory.”
Powerful, indeed; having to swallow that bitter pill in order to embrace a sweet victory. However, it’s his summation of this experience in the following paragraph that was my huge take-away:
“I learned also that my audiences are far more interested in how I dealt with the defeat in Toronto than the fruits of the victory in Vancouver. That’s what audiences want to know – how you deal with adversity.”
The word “audience” doesn’t only refer literally to a group of people listening to a presentation from stage. It’s everyone who is in any way a part of our business and personal lives. They will judge your character and mine by how we handle our adversities and — dare I say — decide whether or not they trust us in practically any other area of life.
Thank you, Michael; one of many powerful lessons I’ve learned from you over the years.
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This is one of those posts that really hits home Bob. That certainly must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
Sounds like he had complete ownership of the most important aspect “the lesson”.
Thank you for a Thursday dose of perspective!
With respect and appreciation,
Paul Castain
Toastmasters know that not only does adversity bring with it the “seed of an equivalent or greater benefit” it also makes for a great story in the next speech!
Paul, I agree with you. He sure did. Thank you!
Beth, you are correct, on both counts! 🙂