Each of us that lives in a free society charts our own course and are masters of our own destiny.
I realize not all of us enjoy total freedom in our personal and professional lives. This realization should be a wake-up call to all of us who live in nations where we have the blessings that freedom brings.
Every person inevitably experiences certain advantages and unavoidable adversities. When great people in free societies discuss the concept of equality, this does not mean equality of outcome. It means equality of opportunity. Free enterprise and capitalism do not guarantee anyone a place at the finish line, but they should guarantee everyone a place at the starting line. Even if we all have our individual places at the starting line, this does not mean we all have the same background, education, intellect, and talent.
My friend and mentor, Coach John Wooden, often said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
Advantages and disadvantages are hard to define in their current context. If you will look back into your personal history, you will realize that certain elements that you would have defined as an obstacle, barrier, or adversity actually turned out in retrospect to be a tremendous advantage. On the other hand, we all know people who were born into wealth or privilege but, over time, failed to succeed because they did not or could not take advantage of the benefits they had been given.
You and I get to decide how we define advantages and disadvantages. For every person who fails to achieve their objective and blames it on their circumstance, I can show you someone else with the same circumstance who has succeeded. Oftentimes, the successful people will cite the exact circumstances that others define as a disadvantage to be a key to their success.
Each time you are faced with an adversity or an obstacle, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Where is the advantage in this situation?
2. What can I learn from this circumstance?
3. Who can I find who has already overcome this obstacle?
4. How can I succeed by helping other people overcome this situation?
The answers to these questions may help you begin to redefine perceived disadvantages as actual advantages.
As you go through your day today, take stock of everything around you and consider your circumstances fully before you define advantages and disadvantages.
Today’s the day!
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Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached by visiting www.JimStovall.com.