Persistence: The Stuff of Legends and Heroes

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” -Calvin Coolidge

At the start of their careers, Michael Jordan, Lucille Ball, and Walt Disney were told they did not have what it takes to succeed. Despite being discouraged, they persisted and became legends in their own right.

Persistence, not luck, contributed to their success. A lack of persistence is among the top reasons many do not achieve their dreams. They have no belief in themselves, no insatiable appetite for achieving their dream, and they constantly make excuses for not taking action. Therefore, they do not persist.

When you have been discouraged, as Jordan, Ball and Disney once were, it may be easy to buy into others’ negative opinions and give up. One way to overcome those feelings of defeat is to have a passionate belief in yourself. Allowing others’ opinion to define you can be paralyzing. Instead, allow your belief in yourself to drive out the negative opinion of others. Then, press on!

Also see: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

It is also important to be persistent when you make a mistake or feel you have failed in some way. Those can be some of the hardest times. Yet, they can be some of your best opportunities to learn and grow. How you respond to those moments can determine your next steps and your outcomes.

In the best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, author Robert Kiyosaki explains it this way, “Failure inspires winners. The greatest secret of winners is that failure inspires winning; thus, they’re not afraid of losing.”

Share some of your techniques for being persistent.
___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com

Powerful Life Lessons from 5 of Ali’s Toughest Opponents

"We all lose in life…we can lose or lives, our eyesight, our health. And you just have to learn to live with these conditions and keep going." -Muhammad Ali

Facing Ali

In the film Facing Ali, Muhammad Ali’s story is told from the perspective of his most notable opponents including Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.

Ten heavyweight champions candidly share their Ali experiences as well as their personal tragedies and triumphs. Their riveting accounts demonstrate why they are champions both in and out of the ring. Here are five lessons I extracted from their intriguing stories.

George Foreman: Knowing Your Why
According to George Foreman, the global admiration Ali received from fans gave him a much bigger reason to be a fighter. Beyond being "The Greatest," Ali was admired for his courage and convictions. "He found something to fight for other than money and championship belts. And when that person finds something like that, you can’t hardly beat them," explains Foreman. When your why runs deeper than money, you become unstoppable.

Also see the video: What is Your Why

George Chuvalo: The Importance of Love
Through a series of painful experiences, George Chuvalo lost his wife and three sons. With the love and support of his friends and family, he overcame those difficult times. More than ever Chuvalo realized the importance of love. “I remember articulating to myself how love makes you feel. Love makes you feel strong. Love makes you feel tender. Love makes you feel secure. Love makes you feel appreciated. Love makes you feel important. We all have to feel like that,” says Chuvalo.

Ken Norton: Overcoming Poverty & Paralysis
Early in his boxing career Ken Norton was a poor, single father. “There were times that a gourmet meal for me and my son was a hot dog,” says Norton. He was literally hungry for success. Norton went on to defeat Ali in what was dubbed one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In 1986, he was seriously injured in a car crash. He suffered multiple injuries and remained paralyzed for three years before learning to walk again. Norton proves that through hard work, will, and sheer determination you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Holmes: Appreciate Who You Are
"I wish I was smarter than I am. But if I could write and read and spell as good as everybody else that got a college education, I wouldn’t be who I am." Larry Holmes is now a businessman. He is grateful for the path he has traveled because without those experiences he would not be who he is today. Similarly, we must be grateful for our experiences—even if they do not seem ideal—because they shape and strengthen us, and take us where we want to go.

Also see: Gratitude During Difficult Times

Ron Lyle: Patience is a Virtue
A hard prison life and a near-death experience were a part of Ron Lyle’s existence. His experiences in the prison yard and in the ring gave him valuable, enduring perspectives. "Fighting isn’t about how big and strong you are. Fighting is about how patient you are," says Lyle. In life, winning takes patience. No matter how talented you are it takes patience to realize your goals and dreams. Without patience you may miss golden opportunities.

These battle-tested warriors are proof that every step of life’s journey is meaningful and that you can overcome your toughest challenges through your attitude, beliefs, strength of character, and the love of others.

Which Ali opponent has inspired you with their story?

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com

Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: How a Woman and Her Scissors Sparked Million$

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser." -Mary Kay Ash

Twenty-seven-year-old Sara got dressed in her new pair of white pants then decided she did not like the way she looked in them. She wanted to correct the visible lines and the see-through issue she was having.

She shopped for a body shaper to correct the problem, but found nothing suitable. In fact, she was horrified by the shapewear selection on the market. "They were thick—it was like wearing workout clothes,” said Sara. Her $98 pants hung in her closet unworn until she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose allowing her to wear her pants with a pair of strappy shoes. According to Sara, “I didn’t see lines but the hose rolled up at my feet—and that’s how Spanx was born."
Visit Spanx

Sara Blakely had turned an obstacle into a very profitable opportunity. Today, Spanx is not only a multi-million dollar company, it is a revolution. Their body shapers are worn by countless numbers of celebrities and were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Favorite Things. 
Watch Spanx Video

Change the Way You See the Situation
When faced with an obstacle, for some, the natural tendency may be to give up. The key, however, is to see your obstacle as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “How can I turn this obstacle into an opportunity?” “Is this an opportunity for me to learn and grow? Create a new product? Start a new career?” Sara could have returned her pants to the store or left them hanging in her closet indefinitely. Instead, she chose to see her obstacle (not being able to wear her pants) as an opportunity to bring a new product to market.

Persistence Pay$
Even after recognizing an opportunity, you may continue to encounter obstacles on your way to bringing that opportunity to reality. By being persistent and continuing to see opportunities, you will overcome those obstacles. When Sara approached mill owners about her footless pantyhose idea, most of them sent her away. They thought it “made no sense, and would never sell.” She persisted and proved them wrong. Spanx is now celebrating their tenth year in business.
Also read: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

For each obstacle you overcome, you will become stronger, more resilient. You will become more adept at recognizing and seizing opportunities. No longer will obstacles be an excuse for not achieving your goal or dream; they will become opportunities that take you to new avenues of success.

Share your thoughts. How have you turned obstacles into opportunities?

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:

http://christinenferguson.com
http://endleadershiphunger.org
http://realleadershipseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/christinenferguson
http://twitter.com/chrisnferguson
http://christineferguson.blogspot.com