If you drop a glass from shoulder height, are you surprised when it shatters? Of course not. You're well-aware of gravity, and you know the glass will break.
So, why are you surprised when adversity presents itself? When you try to make progress, you are bound to encounter resistance. Setbacks are as inevitable as the dropped glass breaking. And yet, most of us are shocked when life shatters our carefully made plans into smithereens.
Wilting at the first sign of adversity is worse than never trying. If you never try, at least you didn't expend the energy of making a feeble attempt. Giving up at the first sign of trouble is like quitting after taking the first punch in a boxing match. Why the hell did you get in the ring if you didn't expect to take a punch or two?
Expect problems. Envision the worst-case scenario. Acknowledge that failure is a possibility and accept it. To be alive is to continually encounter adversity again and again. Living things struggle against their environment, and this fact is etched into the fabric of the universe.
Given the nature of reality, you should greet adversity with open arms. After all, adversity is a guest that you've been expecting. Entertain adversity's trivial need to amuse itself with you. It will eventually get bored, and move on.
See the problems coming.
Push past them.
This is the nature of progress.
How do you handle adversity? Do you expect the unexpected? Or are you still caught off guard by some challenges? Leave me a comment below and we can discuss adversity together.
Like this post? Please feel free to follow me!
Or read more daily meditations:
Don't Fight For Hills That You Can't Keep
Can You Make Life 1% Better?
When There Is Blood In The Water
Writer's Block Ain't Shit
The Number One Way To Get Hurt By Life
Criticism + ? = Brilliance
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Great post, Chris. Personally, I wouldn't say envision the worst case scenario because that's what has people not stepping out in the first place, but definitely be prepared for failure. Failures are the building blocks to success imo :)
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Hey, @Raymondspeaks!
So... I think that the "envision the worst case scenario" was actually just some crappy writing. What I mean to say is "accept the most realistic worst-case scenario". If we can accept the worst card in the deck, we really can do anything, because we don't fear the consequences as much. It's important that we are realistic about what that worst-case is. Sometimes it isn't that bad! I could expand upon that more another time. It's a principle from Stoic philosophy that I didn't do any justice here. ;)
Thank you for your kind words and support as always.
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I agree - thank you for your support also :)
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The saying goes: "Life is what happens when you are making other plans." So it's probably best to factor into your plans the unexpected. Thanks for reminding us of this @chrismccron.
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Yes, it's wise to plan for problems. If we fail to do this, we are surprised when it happens. That just doesn't make sense to me.
Have a great day!
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It's the kind of advice I give, but only, I'm not optimistic about the ends most of the time.
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I am not sure we even have to be optimistic of success. We can try things that only have a 10% or 20% chance of working. I think the key is that when we take something on, we should expect adversity, and not be shocked when it occurs. That would be more realistic than optimistic I think.
Thanks for stopping by, @deadsparrow!
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Nicely worded. some of the greatest philosophers were pessimistic about life in some areas. I enjoyed the read...
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Haha yes. I can be a bit dark and dreary at times. But I aim to be realistic rather than pessimistic. Seeing clearly is the real goal.
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See the problems coming.Push past them.This is the nature of progress.Great message for us all.
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I like how your perception works! Thanks for sharing!
For me - I let the universe unfold on its own without expecting anything particular in return. I just do my own thing and embrace everything coming my way. It will come either as a lesson or a double step forward! It's all about how you see it - how steady is your mind and your breathing!
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At some point in life, I kinda got used to having adversity as my friend.
I no longer cringe and avoid it but simply embrace it. Or as you would put it, 'expect' it. The feeling is quite freeing. It lifts the burden off your shoulders really, because you're no longer living in fear but are actually living your life right now ... @chrismccron great write up and good to have you back :)
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