Be Undefeated

Here we are in late August.  The impact of COVID 19 is evident wherever you may look.  Mask mandates, business closures, physical distancing, and the list goes on.  How are you doing?  How are you holding up?  I hope all is well, and I hope that you are safe.  As we deal with the impact of this pandemic there have been many who have struggled and are still struggling.  Personally, professionally, and financially.  It is times like this that we all have a choice.  Do we use this as an excuse?  Or do we use this as opportunity?  One of my good friends and mentors, Robert Dyer understands this as he has made up his mind already.  During one of our visits back when the government ordered shutdowns began, he stated very clearly, in a way that only Robert can, “Jay, disruption equals opportunity, remember that my friend”. 

I am reminded of the ancient Roman Philosopher, Seneca who wrote that “unbruised prosperity is weak and easy to defeat in the ring but a man who has been at constant feud with misfortune acquires a skin calloused by suffering and this man fights all the way to the ground and never gives up”. 

So, what do we do?  How do we approach life during this?  I do not have all the answers and will never claim to be an expert.  I will, however, share what helps me.  If you have read any of my past content, you know I believe in operating principles.  So here are 3 principles that I follow and have found to be helpful.

1.       Control What You Can Control

We have a set amount of time each day.  I feel that the biggest waste of your time in this life is spending it thinking, speaking about, or trying to change something which you have no control over.  When you find yourself facing a challenging circumstance and you are struggling, ask yourself this question. Is this something that is within my control If the answer is yes, then face it with the next 2 principles If the answer is no, I cannot control this, then leave it and do not give it another thought.

2.       Never Stop Learning

We have unlimited resources at our fingertips.  Yes, you can listen to podcasts, read case studies, take online courses, watch videos, join Meet Up groups, etc..  If you are struggling with an issue, educate yourself.  Be relentless in your quest for knowledge about the subject and take control of your knowledge.

3.       Take Action

One of my favorite books is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy.  Small things done consistently over time will produce drastic results.  Whatever you are working toward, commit to it and even if it is just a few minutes each day, do something to make progress.  That effort will compound over time and you will reap the rewards.

These are tough times!  Damn tough!  As you face a new day, a new week, or a new month, remember that we are going to get some bruises.  There is certainly going to be some misfortune.  However, in these times, with the right mindset and following simple, yet effective principles like these, we can acquire that “calloused skin”.  We will “fight all the way to the ground”.   We will find that opportunity, and we will emerge stronger, smarter, and more successful than ever before.