Throughout my career, I’ve seen countless people beat the odds. Despite repeat tragedies, ongoing challenges and uphill battles, they persevered. They maintained a positive outlook on life. They stood back up each time they were knocked down.
I’ve also seen countless people succumb to their environment. They feel sorry for themselves, considering their situation to be worse than others. They spend time and mental energy stressing about things they can’t control. They’re resistant to change, often believing nothing will improve their situation. As a result, they often stay exactly where they are.
The tenacious individuals all had one thing in common: an insatiable desire to build mental muscle. They were determined to reach their greatest potential despite whatever challenges life threw at them. Those who collapsed in the face of adversity also shared a common thread: a static place in life. They were often passed up for promotions, struggled with long-term relationships and battled with emotional ups and downs.