Underdogs and Desirable Difficulties

Everyone loves an Underdog Story. I know I do and Hollywood has made a fortune telling those stories. I thought my life was an underdog story until I read David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. Many people are talking about this book including a great feature on 60 Minutes. Gladwell's latest book makes the case that in spite of our view that many people, who appear to be at a disadvantage including David in that epic faceoff with Goliath, have a distinct advantage due to their necessity to push-on and find a way. I have been on my own and earned my own living since I was sixteen. I always saw this as a disadvantage. Looking back I now see that my perseverance and desire to overcome obstacles is the catalyst that helped me move forward and not quit. I had to be creative and constantly be looking for new and better opportunities. Malcolm mentions the phrase desirable difficulties to describe what many of the most successful people have endured to overcome adversity. It would be ridiculous to try and convince you I did it all on my own. Lesa, my wife of twenty-nine years has been a rock and source of wisdom for me and God has placed many influential mentors in my life along the way and I am blessed beyond measure. This book merely gives me a fresh perspective on adversity. Robert Collier said, "In every adversity lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." When faced with a challenge, you have two choices, persevere and find a way or quit. Which will you choose? Have a great week! Pierce