Failure cannot compete with persistence. It’s a lesson I learned early on in life when I missed the first six months of high school due to my parents’ tumultuous breakup. Amidst their relationship issues, I found myself in a perfect storm, flying under the radar. Thankfully, I managed to steer clear of trouble that could have left lasting scars.
Even then I knew that I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to. So when we moved to a new neighborhood and I was behind six months, I knew that if I just pressed on, that I would graduate. Eventually, I did just that.
This same tenacity carried me through my career in the insurance industry. Unlike some of my colleagues and friends who were recruited from top schools, I had to prove myself without a college degree. The better the school, the better the job offer, but for me, it meant working my way up from the bottom. I had no defined career track presented to me; instead, I had to forge my own path. This process ingrained within me a spirit of resilience and persistence.
As I worked my way through the job, I started attending college after work, taking one or two classes per semester. There were setbacks along the way, including an academic dismissal for a semester. But I refused to let that deter me. I returned the following semester with renewed determination. It may have taken me longer, but the sense of accomplishment upon completing my associate’s degree was immeasurable. This experience only fueled my relentless drive for progress, leading me to complete my bachelor’s degree in the same fashion.
As I write this, I stand on the cusp of completing my MBA this December. But what I’ve learned throughout my career is that true loss only occurs when we give up. So, if you ever find yourself wrestling with the urge to quit, here are three strategies to fight back:
First, nourish your mind with positive content while minimizing exposure to negative influences. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, individuals who listen attentively when you vent your frustrations. Finally, find solace in prayer, meditation, and the process of processing your disappointments. As a person of faith, I am deeply aware that in times of trouble, I am never without resources or help.
Resilience is not just my superpower exclusively; it can be yours too, should you choose to embrace it.
Guard Your Gates 