Dear Doctor,
We live in challenging times – on the one hand, there’s never been more
opportunity, with almost instantaneous worldwide communication, access to
near-infinite information pools, and the momentum of a blossoming society that
is aching to get its values straight. On the other hand, we see massive
financial stress, cultural upheaval and a gross imbalance of power that favors
greed and allows corrupt individuals and groups to capitalize on the vulnerable,
like our neighbors -- and us.
It’s at times like these that we need to look squarely at our adversities and
address them effectively. Many pieces are in place – a relatively free
existence, the availability of most resources we’d need, and of course, the
potency of the human spirit, which inspires us to break through against all
odds.
But the obstacles are among the most intense and intimidating ever – market
forces determined to extract every last dime regardless of the consequences,
warring factions worldwide that are rebelling against the prevailing
distribution of wealth and influence, and a blanket unrest with the status quo,
leading toward perhaps the greatest global instability our civilization has ever
known.
It would be easy to pass it off on politicians and blame the leaders for
screwing it up, but that and four bucks gets you a Starbuck’s – no, inevitably
it will be up to us, to evaluate, adjust, and evolve.
And therein lies the greatest opportunity of all – if each of us takes
responsibility for our part, and we learn to integrate our efforts for the
greater good, then applying our potential to such challenges will lead to a
confluence of thinking and action, and ultimately a positive reshaping of our
world.
That’s why we must stand up and face adversity with focus, confidence and
self-esteem. The discipline that manifests from our certainty and vigilance will
propel us to a better place, if we are sturdy enough to withstand the voyage.
That passage of pain fire-forges us, an acid test that assures us of our
readiness to ascend, and earns our admission to the next frontier, to usher in a
more stable, wellness-oriented, loving and prosperous era.
So what can we do? First, decide to show up as you would hope a leader would
show up under the circumstances – passionately calm, logically intuitive,
patiently bold. Then, assess the landscape, and choose goals and action steps
that will have the most impact with the least detriment. Finally, seize the day
with presence, optimism and drive, and do what needs to be done, when it needs
to be done, the way it needs to be done. Timely, specific, relevant, consistent
action is the antidote to adversity.
Only by exploring the edges of our current reality will we be able to advance to
the next level. It may be scary, painful, or may even seem futile at times, but
those of us who see a brighter future know that we must deal with the issues
before us to move past them -- confrontation refines us in ways that open up the
door of possibility for us. Don’t dread adversity – embrace it, and use it as a
springboard to higher achievement, as you become the version of yourself that
can handle a tougher climb and a bigger game. Thus, adversity becomes advantage
– and that’s how growth really works.
Dr. Dennis Perman, for The Masters Circle
PS If you want to get to the next level and you could use some help, The Masters
Circle may have the answers you’ve been looking for. Our next seminar, “Master
the Game of Life,” is co-sponsored by Life University, August 14-16 in
Washington, D.C., and features Guy Riekeman at his best and special guest
motivator Richard Flint -- please call 800-451-4514, or go to
www.themasterscircle.com.
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