Resilience, for the purposes of this blog, will be defined as a “bend but do not break” mentality. It is the ability to recover and drive forward in life regardless of setback, negative condition, or obstacles. Think of a bone-jarring hit, a board-crushing collision in ice hockey. It’s playoff hockey time; everything is turned up a notch… or two. Will is tested. In their youth, these players learned physical resilience on the frozen ponds of back-water towns. Their mental resilience was forged on the anvil of adversity. Adversity will always be present in those endeavors we deem worthwhile. There will often be a sacrifice, commensurate with the reward. Our level of preparation, deep desire, and mental strength will dictate whether we overcome or succumb to its power. These hockey players must now exhibit perseverance under extreme pressure in the ultimate crucible of the playoffs.
To win the game of business, you have to take the hit; you either skate off or you skate on. You’ll find yourself in that dark room, the place where consciousness is frayed, will is tested, and the strength to endure provides the only avenue to victory. Skate on – life will test you. It will send you reeling into the boards. But remember this, life’s rewards will be earned by those who have learned to take the hit and press forward.
