“When the going is easy the wind is at your back, push hard; when the going gets tough, push harder.”
If you have been a regular reader of my 100 Pedals posts, this quote is probably familiar to you. I have relied on this one a few times. I come back to this quote many times because it is a great reminder that the difference between success and almost is how we respond to adversity. It is in the midst of difficulty that many of us struggle to keep our momentum or simply keep moving. Yet, it is in these difficult times that moving forward is the most important thing we can do. Once we lose our momentum, it is easier to slip into that rut, than fight our way out. The secret — don’t lose momentum!
I have had several conversations lately where the people I have been talking with recognize they allowed something to interrupt their momentum. In each one of these situations, something happened that caused them to lose focus, then confidence, and then progress. Once they lost progress, they stopped moving and once they stopped moving, they discovered whatever they were aiming for now got a little farther away. Discouraged, they simply gave up for the time being.
When things are going well, it is way to easy to get comfortable with your progress. When things are going well, one great day is followed by another. Good news is followed by better news and many little accomplishments start to add up to giant leaps forward. It is easy to build on and maintain momentum in good times.
Then, as is expected and predictable in life, something doesn’t go as planned. All of a sudden there is controversy, conflict, a less than positive event, or even a nagging cold. Next thing you know, you aren’t feeling as good, confident, productive or successful. And, it seems nearly impossible to even think about making progress. You are simply trying to get through the next day. It is then that adversity makes any effort nearly impossible and you are distracted by the conflict.
When you face an uphill battle and the wind is directly in your face it is never more important or critical to push than at that very moment. If you had to focus on one thing and one thing only, the most important thing to focus on is what is most important to your long-term vision and dream. Even though everything is falling down around you and you are being distracted by these potential negative influences, nothing is more important and more essential than your mission — nothing!
Next time you find yourself in a rut, the only way to dig out of it is to get busy and start moving forward. Anything else will cost you time, energy, momentum and confidence. Nothing is more challenging or difficult than pushing through the hard days. Yet, nothing is more fulfilling or energizing when you realize how much you accomplished in the face of adversity. It is there that you discover how much you can truly accomplish even in the most trying of times. It is there you prepare yourself for the next time it happens – for it will. And, it is in those moments that you realize what a powerful force you can be when you have your vision, keep your focus and maintain your momentum.
When things are easy, anyone can be successful. It is in the face of adversity where those who are focused and determined are separated from the dreamers and become doers. Stay focused, keep moving, and don’t let anything distract you or interrupt your progress and accomplishments.
