Your Purpose Must be Greater than Your Challenges
September 28th, 2009 Posted in NewsletterI was recently on a plane to somewhere when Leonard told me about a time when his life was going nowhere.
He told me how six months earlier, at the age of fifty-four, he lost his job at a Fortune 500 company. He thought his life and business career were finished. No one is going to hire a fifty-four year old sales professional, he frequently told himself. Each day he grew more fearful, pessimistic and depressed.
Then one day while taking a walk of sadness along the beach he thought of his twenty year old son and it occurred to him…
If I give up now, what lesson am I teaching my son?
If I don’t overcome my challenges, my son will learn to let his challenges overcome him.
I need to show my son that even though Dad was knocked down, that he can get back up… so when life knocks him down he’ll know that he can get back up too.
Fueled with a bigger purpose to show his son that he could get back up after being knocked down, Leonard dusted off his resume, called friends and colleagues in his industry and reached out to various companies letting them know he was back in the game.
His positive beliefs lead to powerful actions. Instead of waiting to be fed like a goldfish, he became a shark and went in search of food.
Over a three month period, Leonard’s actions lead to a number of interview opportunities and four job offers. Yes, four offers!!
Now he is with a company that appreciates his knowledge, experience, and talents. He reports directly to the President, and his future is brighter than ever.
Leonard is a testament that if you think your best days are behind you, they are… and if you think your best days are ahead of you, they are.
Positive beliefs lead to powerful actions.
How about you? Have you been knocked down? Is your company going through changes? Are you dealing with change at work and in life? Have you been feeling sorry for yourself?
I want to encourage you to think of Leonard and remind yourself that regardless of the adversity you face, your purpose must be greater than your challenges. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your purpose. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a hero. Heroes and victims both get knocked down but heroes get back up, armed with optimism and a greater purpose they create a positive future.
Can you recall a time when a greater purpose inspired you to overcome your challenges. Share your story here on our blog.
Ride the Wave,
Jon
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Tags: actions, challenges, change, opportunities, positive beliefs, purpose
20 Responses to “Your Purpose Must be Greater than Your Challenges”
By Andy Robinson on Sep 28, 2009
Great article John and an inspiration for those out there in similar situations as Leonard. Belief, attitude and positive mindset definitely go a LONG way. Thanks for sharing this story.
By Lee Jones on Sep 28, 2009
Good advice but tough to follow when you are depressed….
By Cheryl Bennett on Sep 28, 2009
Great story Jon. I do have one to share. In February 2007, I had just quit my job to work out of my house. My husband was the primary provider and there was safety in the fact that he could pay the bills with his income. One week after I quit my job, I received a call that he had been in an auto accident at work. My best friend was paralyzed from the chin down and on a vent and feeding tube as the result of an auto accident two years earlier, so my biggest fear was that his neck was broken. In addition to his scalp being severly lacerated, his neck WAS broken. I prayed and trusted God to heal my husband and I constantly reassured him that he was fine,that he just had to heal and I quoted sripture to him. At the end of his hospital stay, he was sent home, walking; but in a halo with instruction not to move for three months. In a phone conversation with my closest friend, I confessed my fear, “I can’t believe I just quit my job, what terrible timing.” She reassured me, “What perfect timing! Your husband has never needed you more. He will need your help for the next three months, and had you not quit your job before the accident, you wouldn’t have the guts to do it now. It was perfect timing.” I instantly had peace that she had spoken the truth and gladly helped nurse my husband back to health knowing that this was my greater calling for that time in my life. My husband made it through the three months and went back to work with a deeper appreciation of our marriage. Now that terrible time is just a story in our past, but also a reminder that we can get through anything with each other. We are now new business owners in a bad economy. There are tough days, but deep down inside we have peace because we know that we can weather any storm together and that a bad economy is nothing compared to waiting to find out if you can walk. Looking back, it only made us stronger.
By Chris Conley on Sep 28, 2009
I heard of a man that had always wanted to loose weight but despite many attempts never accomplished the goal, and if anything continued to gain. Well over 300 pounds he felt hopeless. Then a potential tragedy hit home. His daughter had been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and would have to have a transplant. Donors came forward but no matches could be found. Finally the father submitted to the test and he was the best chance. However his doctor wouldn’t allow the operation until he lost enough weight to make him healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Within 6 months he did, the operation was successful and his daughter lives a normal healthy life. When asked how he did it despite all the past failed attempts he replied his “WHY” wasn’t big enough.
I can see how this relates to the Shark and Gioldfish approach in that going thru life as the victim, what can I do about my situation, feed me, versus the shark approach, what needs done, then put an action plan together to do it.
feel free to edit as necessary if you use this.
By Teri on Sep 28, 2009
As I sit here reading about being knocked down, I am dealing with a like matter. The company that I worked for, one of the locations was bought by another company. I had heard things about this company, but waited to form my own opinion. Six months with this company, proved that what I had heard was true. I was the Assistant Manager. They brought in a Manager who had been out of the business for 8 years. They did not know the software, let alone how to really use the computer. I spent days and hours trainging this person, only to find out that they had thrown me under the bus. They demoted me, cut my pay and transferred me on the other side of town. I too am networking with friends and sending out resumes. I know that I will get a job with a company that has integrity and who will appreaciate what I bring to the table.
By Rebecca on Sep 28, 2009
After todays Positive tip, I felt compelled to share my story. I had worked for the same company in a variety of positions for 21 years. I had worked my way up through the ranks and had been recoginized and rewarded for my efforts many times. I was a strong promoter and gave all to insure in the success of this company. As all companies do this one went through changes with both corporate and local personel changes. Long story short the new person in charge wanted to go a different route and had her own people she wanted to bring on, so after over 21 years I was asked to remove myself from the company. I was heartbroken that the company that I had given so much to over so many years would throw me and many others out that were the backbone and structure of the company. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do. Times had changed since I even sent out a resume for a position and after feeling sorry for myself for a few weeks. I was determined that this was not to be the end of the career that I had worked at for so long. As things do happen, in a casual conversation with a friend in another state I heard about a possible open position with a local company in my area. In the end I was actually unemployed for 5 days befor starting a new position and now work for a company that appreciates me and what I bring to them. I have been with my new employer for almost 5 years and enjoy my job and the people I work with everyday. So even when the days are the darkest there is always a positive outcome if you will focus on the good things in your life and try and remain positive even during the darkest days.
By fred on Sep 28, 2009
Funny how life presents all sorts of twists and turns.
After my divorce many years ago I was in a slump, feelings of worthlessness, rejection, and all that. Things seemed never to change but some where deep down there was this nagging persistent call that refused to give in. All I had to do was to let it go. Although I never got on to the same track I was in before, I picked myself up and started on the road to feeling better about myself and doors opened up once again. Not the same doors , thank God but different ones. The fear was gone, a new found confidence in myself and a brighter outlook on life in general took over. Am I making the “Big Bucks”? No not really but that isn’t everything that life has to offer. One needs to open up see the miracles around us and be ever thankful.
By Pam' Mukariri on Sep 28, 2009
Leonard, you shld know that you are a winner in everything. Remember that winners are positive thinkers who see good in all things, from ordinary to extraordinary.Thanks for the article
By Lee Jones on Sep 28, 2009
How do I stop my negative thoughts?” - is a question that I have been asked many times. If you have ever asked this question then you will feel such enormous relief in knowing the answer, because it is so simple. How do you stop negative thoughts? You plant good thoughts!
When you try to stop negative thoughts, you are focusing on what you don’t want - negative thoughts - and you will attract an abundance of them. They can never disappear if you are focused on them. The “stop” part is irrelevant - the negative thoughts are your focus. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to stop negative thoughts or control them or push them away, the result is the same. Your focus is on negative thoughts, and by the law of attraction you are inviting more of them to you.
The truth is always simple and it is always easy. To stop negative thoughts, just plant good thoughts! Deliberately plant good thoughts! You plant good thoughts by making it a daily practice to appreciate all the things in your day. Appreciate your health, your car, your home, your family, your job, your friends, your surroundings, your meals, your pets, and the magnificent beauty of the day. Compliment, praise, and give thanks to all things. Every time you say “Thank you” it is a good thought! As you plant more and more good thoughts, the negative thoughts will be wiped out. Why? Because your focus is on good thoughts, and what you focus on you attract.
So don’t give any attention to negative thoughts. Don’t worry about them. If any come, make light of them, shrug them off, and let them be your reminder to deliberately think more good thoughts now.
The more good thoughts you can plant in a day, the faster your life will be utterly transformed into all good. If you spend only one day speaking of good things and saying “Thank you” at every single opportunity, you will not believe your tomorrow. Deliberately thinking good thoughts is exactly like planting seeds. As you think good thoughts you are planting good seeds inside you, and the Universe will transform those seeds into a garden of paradise. How will the garden of paradise appear? As your life!
May the joy be with you,
Rhonda Byrne
The Secret… bringing joy to billions
By Monika on Sep 28, 2009
I remember when I was going through a divorce with 3 young children. No education, and no job experience. Their father had a drug problem, and I made the decision to not allow my children to be exposed to it any longer. There were so many times I wanted to just crawl into a corner, and stay there. I just couldn’t see how I was going to pull it off on my own. Then I would look at my beautiful 9, 7 and 3 year old children. Giving up just wasn’t an option. We moved to a new city. I got my first job at a 7-11, as I didn’t have many options. I got up early every morning with faith that God would provide me with a job that wasn’t weekends, and paid enough to provide for us. I found a low skills job in an industry that had great potential. I worked my way up to a position that had weekends off within 2 years. This was 11 years ago. I’m still working in the same industry, but as a sales professional making 5 times what I made then.
My higher purpose was my children. Every time I wanted to give up, God would give me a glimpse of their little hands and big smiles. No….giving up wasn’t an option.
By Rob on Sep 28, 2009
wow, this piece is so inspiring.
personally i am not going through a challenge at the moment but i can see the HUGE power that being connected to your purpose can bring! we cant help but be positive and action-focused when we are connected to our true purpose. Today I am going to re-connect with my own.
thanks Jon x x x x
By ANGELA LOCKHART on Sep 29, 2009
I really believe that if you truely respect yourself and live a life in service of others and love so deep in the heart, the greater good, always comes out through our actions, inspired by wholesome thinking. So in saying this, I believe that if we rise to a higher power, get centered and prioritize our lives, we will always move forward, provided that we learn from the past life’s lessons. The journey is full of wonder, and beauty. We must look for the good, and surround ourselves with the good, and live the life we dream of, only if we desire the greater good, and move one choice at a time. Seizing every moment and making the most of every opportunity to grow and be full of love wonder and awe. I believe that excellence comes with great effort in the little things, and great expectations, appreciating yourself and the people in our lives. Each of the choices we make ought to bring out the greater self. A sense of maturing through the living the choices we make, being full of faith, hope and love. The greater value is the love, one day realizing the love was always there. Wow. One may experience many ups and downs, but one must learn to be patient with the process. Keep going and live the life of excellence. Thanks Jon:)*****
By Mary Ann Zicolella on Sep 29, 2009
I found myself as a single mom with 4 young children, lost my home dead-beat husband and was so scared that I would lose my children because I would not be able to care for them. I had been hairdressing for 20 years, (the last 10 years only part time) without any insurance or retirement. I had no choice but to put myself into “the system” of welfare and food stamps. I got a pell grant and put myself back to school to become a nurse. I had to keep up my grades so I could hang my papers on the refridgerator along side of my kids. I had to let my children know that I would never let them down or ever quit, and they wouldn’t let me! I graduated with honors, landed a job and got off the system. Yeah Team!! Many years have passed and all my children are now very successful and me? Well, I own my own salon and day spa. Both of my careers combined have made a great union.
By susan bonder on Sep 30, 2009
I would like to think of lifes challenges as going through a transition. It’s easier to share with people that you are going through a transition in your life, then going through one of the most difficult times in your life. My family is going through a transition and we are on the upside of a long and tiring journey. Recently I was walking through the mall with my 16 year old daughter and we were having a little chat, and I said “don’t worry we will be in a better place soon, we just have re-position ourselves and we will be stronger then ever.” and she turned to me and said, “do you believe that to be true? or do you tell me that just to make me feel better?” the truth is I do believe it because at the end of the day the one thing you always can count on is your faith to give you the strength. The thing I found profound was the question from my 16 year old wanting to know how I really felt, and knowing that she felt comforted by my passion and ability to say our best days are ahead of us because I do believe that to be true, I will not allow for anything other then that. And when I am tired or feeling weak I think of the ones I won’t let down, to get me up.
By Ruth Anderson on Sep 30, 2009
Hi Jon…
I sent you a response earlier, however, I am not convinced you received my e-mail due to a response in my system so I am going to try to re-create something that I believe represents what you are trying to achieve. I do not want my name used if it is shared with others. My goal is to help others understand how PURPOSE can be greater than the actual CHALLENGES encountered.
My husband and I were both college graduates pursuing our chosen careers. We both came from strong families. We had high standards and set strong goals for ourselves. We were blessed with two children, a girl and a boy. Then, unexpectedly, I was pregnant again. We were excited to welcome a third child into our lives. Our new son was born with multiple birth defects, club feet, hydrocephlous, webbed-neck, heart problems, and other symptoms reflecting NOONAN’S SYNDROME (can be looked up on google). He spent most of his first few years hospitalized with more than 20+ surgeries. Many people in the family and our friends thought we should institutionalize him and get on with our lives. One day, while pondering this possibility and thinking I could not put this child in an institution, his pacifier (nuk) got turned upside down. Our son was a tiny infant, but he became very frustrated. I knew his frustration was because he knew something was wrong. He finally fussed with his hands until he was able to flip it correctly. After a while, I turned the pacifier upside down again. And, again, he got it flipped back. I did this over and over until he could fix his pacifier quickly. This is when I knew I could not place my son in an institution. I must help him learn everything he could to become as independent as possible for a quality life. The question was HOW do I teach him to learn. My career was teaching, but what I was challenged with was teaching in a new way so he could receive the information in a way that it made sense to him. It has been an incredible journey. My son is nearing 35 years of age. He has exceeded every goal I have set for him. With constant tutoring he has achieved a two-year college degree at a community college, he drives, he holds a full time job, and he is active in his church and Bible Study group. My faith in God has been my “rock”. Every obstacle was a new walk with God and with my son. We have been blessed over and over again, inch by inch, with one small victory after another. His appearance, due to his physical challenges, would not rank him in the “All-American” look; but his heart, his work ethic, his dedication to trying to always do the right thing for the right reason never wavers. Able-bodied people should be so dedicated to using their lives productively. Last summer in 2008 he participated with friends in the Hy-Vee Triathlon that was a qualifying event for the Olympics. Friends adapted the swimming, the biking, and the running events so he could participate. He was not trying to win, he was only trying to show others not to sit on the sidelines. He is an inspiration to everyone that will take time to get to know him. (Many people won’t; finding a job is hard for him)
He is always thanking me for coaching him or inspiring him, or helping him solve problems due to mental challenges; I don’t deserve any thanks. He has done everything himself with hard, hard work. And, YES, there was a cost to putting PURPOSE over all other challenges. My two oldest children sacrificed their time with me so I could be with their little brother; somehow they understood and helped every step of the way. It cost me my marriage! Again, I believe God has had purpose in my life. I did not know I had the ability to be an advocate of disability. I did not know I had the ability to make a difference. This journey is not over for awhile, but I have a confidence that my son will be able to live a quality life in the future…..one that will be richer in meaning than if I had placed him in an institution. My son teaches me everyday about “life”. I was an “okay” teacher, but he has taught me about love, about patience, about endurance, about practice, and never, never giving up when you believe in something. I think my teaching ability has increased due to increased awareness of the learners. I have never been more grateful that I “stayed-the-course” when the PURPOSE was greater than the PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGES that we continue to work with so he can participate in life. God has been our rock and will continue. I hope this very abbreviated story supports your initiative.
By Rheta Dinucci on Oct 2, 2009
PURPOSE CAN BE GREATER THAN CHALLENGES..How timely this article is for me. I at 67 years of age am facing tremendous life changes and challenges. my disability has held me a prisoner for 22 years. I am forced to “Jump through hoops” that seem unbearable. This story will help me get my “nuk” turned right so that I can survive in spite of my physical challenges. Thank You, God is my “SOLID ROCK” on which I standed, all other else is sinking sand. Rheta 10/2/09
By Ruth Anderson on Oct 5, 2009
Rheta Dinucci……..I am glad you added to the blog.
Regardless of your age, “you are precious in HIS sight” and God loves you. He knows what you are going through.
I am so glad you were inspired by my son’s story. It is never too late! I hope your transitions at the age of 67 can be seen as an “opportunity” on your journey. You have the opportunity to plant a tiny seed to begin a beautiful garden for others with your story. Your story can help others find strength, especially when they see your strength and courage in action.
By Bob McIntyre on Oct 19, 2009
Jon,
I’m Leonard to a T. Thanks. My Dad went through the same thing at 57, in 1975, and I never understood the pain he was going through. I do now. At 56, I’m in the same boat. And yes, I have two stellar daughters who have always been shining examples to others, and I wouldn’t want to let them down either. Please check your email.
Signed, Bob - The Christmas tree guy.
By Curt Rosengren on Nov 5, 2009
“Your purpose must be greater than your challenges.” What a great way to say it! It’s like Nietzsche said: “He who has a why can endure any how.”