Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! .
Rocky Balboa, 2006
As many of you know, my real estate property management company has been the little engine that could for two years now. It has been wonderful and exciting to watch it grow and blossom. As you may also know, none are immune to the cycles of the economy, and my business took a serious blow last week.
The short of it is that good people have to do tough things to keep food on the table. Those outside forces literally cut 75% of my business. I had to give my assistant notice and offer half my building for rent. I am downsizing and realigning. It has been a challenge.
Why in the world am I telling you all this? First, we live in a small town and you are probably going to hear it anyway. But mostly, I understand that this is where the rubber meets the road. We talk a great deal about attitude, character and perseverance. Many think it is lip service from those who offer this advice. Most feel we are alone when the challenges arise. It isn’t and we aren’t.
I also wanted to tell you that there is no reason for fear. I could give you my theological reasons for that, but that is for a different column. Instead, I will tell you that most folks that encounter challenges are able bodied, smart, capable, and adaptable. I, you, will make it through this just like we did during our last life altering situation. I know, you are thinking, “But, it has never been this bad.” Isn’t that what we said the last time?
Interesting enough, this challenge has afforded some interesting opportunities. I have watched families rally, the birth of an entrepreneur, the rebirth of vision, and genuine intestinal fortitude. It is amazing the strength of the human spirit when you realize what it is worth and the vastness of its capabilities.
Today I encourage you to consider something you already know. Know what you are worth. Move forward and get what you are worth. If it were easy, everybody would do it. It’s not, but it is worth it, and moreover, it is possible. Life is. Challenges are. Struggles are. It cannot be overstated that it is what we do after that matters. There aren’t enough fingers to point, blame to place or pity parties to have that will change the effectiveness of good, old fashioned sleeve rolling. We can do this. I can do this. And oh the stories we will tell…