Responding to adversity

Does adversity have to mean unmitigated disaster? It all depends. A great many writers and thinkers take the view that positive results can grow from adverse circumstances. According to Horace, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.” Benjamin Disraeli put the idea in a nutshell: “There is no education like adversity.” Most picturesque of all is this old African proverb: “Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.”

This concept can have very practical outcomes in all areas of life, including business. Dayton Fandray notes, “When you’re prepared for crises, they can become opportunities.” The key is “harnessing the sense of urgency that comes in critical situations. During times of crisis, people are at their creative peak, looking at old problems in new ways and taking chances they might be afraid to take under normal operating conditions.”

Bill Gates has found a direct line between problems and potential growth in his line of work: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” There’s no guarantee here, of course. We can all think of organisations that are unreceptive when we ask them to rectify problems. One wonders how customer service and retention will fare in these straitened economic times.

The links between events and responses are much in our minds here at Giroma. We find it enormously satisfying to identify opportunities that help our readers to profit from apparently arid soil. This requires unwavering commitment to vision, creativity and continuous learning. We agree with T Harv Eker when he says, “Your field of focus determines what you find in life.” We draw strength from William James: “Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” Mary Engelbreit also strikes a chord with us: “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

There’s no shortage of inspirational material available on the topic of adversity. As we’re so spoilt for choice, we’re giving the last word to Dr Seuss—that inspired genius whose books have been delighting children of all ages for so many years:

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”