Friday, June 5, 2009

Finding Opportunity in Adversity

Can you believe it's been a month since our illuminate '09 convention? We know that those of us who attended came away greatly inspired with real tools to help us achieve our dreams. We also know that challenges and opposition are normal parts of the journey as we work to realize those dreams.

One of the many great points that our keynote speaker Erik Weihenmayer conveyed was that whenever you set out to do something really worthwhile, you can count on opposition and adversity. In fact, he said it is part of the equation. If you are experiencing obstacles right now on the road to achieving your dreams, think of them as evidence that what you are doing is very worthwhile. Erik challenged us to become people who don't just make it through adversity, but instead, find a way to harness the energy from those storms to go to a place we would have never traveled to otherwise. Isn't that a fascinating idea? Adversity isn't just something that gets in the way of our dreams. Rather, it can be the very source of the power that enables us to realize them!

Please don't get discouraged by the obstacles that lie in your path. See your challenges for what they really are—opportunities to become the kind of leader that can not only climb mountains, but also help others do the same. After all, a mountain would not be a mountain if it didn't have some steep terrain. We promise you the trek will be well worth your perseverance.

Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer, David Lisonbee, Bianca Lisonbee, and members of the Lisonbee family

If you would like to order Erik Weihenmayer's books or DVDs, visit his website at www.touchthetop.com.