by Difficulties, obstacles, setbacks, struggles are part of everyday life. We try to talk our way out of them, we try to avoid them, we bemoan their existence and spend time we don’t have lamenting the fight. However, sometimes, unbeknownst to us, we need the learnings from the struggle, the loss more than we need smooth sailing and a win. Our struggles have value.
Life has a natural rhythm that is bigger than we are. Trying to change this brings frustration and poorer results. By attempting to control life’s rhythm by fighting it, ignoring it or excusing it, we distract ourselves from what really matters, the problem, the challenge before us. This leaves us less focused and engaged in finding resolution. Making excuses, placing blame, wallowing in self-pity, trying to change what cannot be changed is time wasted, time better spent accepting and embracing what is happening as it is, without trying to make it something it is not.
We are not built to multi-task. None of us can attempt this without becoming less effective. Self-imposed clutter and Noise are obstacles to maximizing our potential. We are designed and built for this moment and no others. One moment at a time is how best to drink what life serves us. Focus matters. A clear mind matters.
The opportunity for victory motivates us. It gives us hope as we fight the fight. The more focused we are, the clearer our mind, the better the result will be. Not only is winning more likely, but we will learn and grow more if we are fully engaged in the problem, no matter the result.
It’s interesting that with time, the importance of the victory or the horror of the loss dissipates. Instead, we remember more the struggle, our efforts, the learnings that revealed themselves because of the situation. Yes, the sweet taste of victory and the bitter taste of defeat stay with us, but both pale as time marches forward. As we reflect, what matters most is how we persevered, the wisdom we gained, the inner strength we discovered, and our increased knowledge about who we really are and what it takes to win and to overcome loss. Whether we won or lost becomes secondary.
When in the throes of seemingly insurmountable problems, remembering that our efforts, our best efforts, will stand the test of time provides solace. There is wisdom in this. We need tough times. Rather than trying to avoid or excuse them away, we need to jump in and become better at overcoming and learning from them. They are not going away.
So, as we battle our way through difficult times, recognize the value this struggle will bring if we accept and embrace it as it is. It may not be evident now, but trusting that this experience, this struggle will yield benefits that may be unknowable today, can help us maintain a healthy perspective about the challenge. This will contribute to a better result than what might otherwise be.
There is much value in the struggle.
More to come.
Eric Easter is chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Kittle’s Furniture.
