Overcoming adversity and winning in spite of them
The picture you see below is Jim Thorpe, a Native American from Oklahoma. As you can see, Jimmy is wearing different socks and shoes. During the 1912 Olympics, Jim represented the U.S. in track and field. On the morning of his competitions, his shoes were stolen. Jim frantically searched and found one shoe in a garbage can, and a team-mate had an extra shoe. One of the shoes was too big, so he had to wear an extra sock. With these shoes, Jim won two gold medals that day!”
Jimmy’s tenacious drive is a great example to all of us to realize that we shouldn’t let bad circumstances stand in the way of us winning. When I served in the military, my drill instructor used to tell me, “Don’t give me excuses Thompson, show me results!” It’s time to get off the “Oh poor me” whine train and start making small, slow steps forward to improve your current situation. You might be crying out, “Why me??” Well, why not you? Storms and adversities will make stronger. Each day you wake up, you have two choices. A choice to be happy, and seize the day, or choose to waller around in your misery. Once you sell out to your dream, nothing gets in the way!
Regardless of your current situation right now, do what Jimmy did and find a way. Don’t stop until you find what will get you closer to your finish line. Stop making excuses and take ownership. Winston Churchill is quoted in saying, “Never, Never, Never give up.”
It’s your move. #leadchattanooga #leadership #overcome
