Enduring Well

Recently I learned about the life of a successful amateur athlete who once was strong, independent, successful, and active and is now facing an enormous amount of hardships in her life. Some of her trials include the recent and sudden death of her father, a shocking diagnosis of autism for her eldest son, sleepless nights with a young collicky baby, and frequent debilitating migraine headaches. What was once a seemingly carefree, nearly perfect, and enjoyable experience has turned into something nearly unbearable.

When I heard about this story, it made me think about how all of us are faced with challenges and adversity in our life. I’ve yet to meet someone whose life is “full of roses” and without opposition. Thus, how we react to adversity becomes imperative to our success in life. Often it is not so much about the challenges we face that determines our fate, but more about how we respond to the trials we are confronted with. Frequently in life the hardest times provide the greatest opportunities for growth if we allow them to, and in the end we become wiser, stronger, and more successful. In fact, I’ve found that successful people meet obstacles head on with remarkable levels of persistence, optimism, and endurance.

Endurance is stamina, staying power, the ability to exert ones self for a long period of time. I believe endurance is a marquee quality of a successful person. Life presents to each one of us a myriad of challenges yet consistency in doing well for a “long period of time” nearly guarantees success. Nonetheless, this is not easily done as it is a rare person who is able to sustain effort and focus when faced with life’s unexpected and unforgiving struggles.

Growing up I learned about enduring through hardships and often thought that when faced with difficulties I simply needed to press through it with patience—believing that when the problem was resolved, life would be blissful and joyful again. However I have learned that successful people learn to be happy and successful in the middle of the storm. They do not wait for calmer waters, but instead they find ways to be triumphant and victorious regardless of their circumstances. Often times in life the wind never stops blowing; so we can’t wait. We must make our best effort now!

So enduring and enduring well is something each of us should strive to do. Are we waiting for our trials to pass so we can then rededicate ourselves to our goals? Are we putting off our best efforts in hopes life will someday get easier for us? Or are we pressing forward despite the many mountains that stand in our way. If we can learn to “exert” ourselves toward accomplishing our goals for “a long period of time” no matter what may come, we will be extremely successful!!