Adversity is a Set-up for a Step-Up

In high school, I majored in athletics and flunked IQ. When I graduated at 17, I wanted to be the first person from my family to graduate from college. My first semester in college, I flunked out by midterm. I wasn't one to quit, so I enrolled the following semester--and sure enough, I flunked out again by midterm. I decided to go back a 3rd time about a year later. The University of KY Dean said that I had tested in at a 7th grade reading, writing, and math level--that statistically, nobody had ever graduated with scores as low as mine.

I believed the prophets of doom and flunked out again--vowing never to return to college. At age 23, I was involved in a major accident that could have disabled me. I was broke, depressed and rock bottom. I picked up a book by Zig Ziglar: Over-the-Top and before I got out of the bookstore parking lot, I read that book--cover-to-cover, with tears flowing down my face. For the first time, I had hope.

Shortly after reading that book, I decided to go back to college the 4th time...but this time, things were different. I traded in my stinkin thinkin and decided that I would push forward, no matter what. I made a goal that I would not only graduate from college, but I would earn a 4.0 GPA. I not only achieved that goal in my bachelor's degree, but went on to do the same with my Master's Degree and PhD.

Success didn't come easy. I hired a middle school tutor since I was at a 7th grade level. My goal was to keep learning until I was at a 12th grade level. I remember writing my first English paper--the day after turning it in to the professor, the professor took me into the hall and said that if she could get every student to write as good as I did by the end of the year, she has done her job. She asked how long I spent writing that paper--I said, 12-hours. She said it shouldn't have taken more than 2-hours. I told her that I was coming from behind and had to spend the time necessary to get where I need to be.

By my master's degree, I was outpacing my peers and everything seemed easy. I not only read every assignment, but I often bout 5 or 6 extra books to compliment my text. I became an avid reader--I read as if my life depended on it. I wasn't motivated or disciplined--I was obsessed with improving myself. It was like breathing oxygen. I couldn't imagine life without learning.

After 25 years, I still curious and eager to learn. I realize that in all my reading (3000 books), audio learning programs, application, teaching others, failing and growing--that I still have so much to learn.

If you are facing an adversity--remember, Adversity is a Set-up for a Step-up. Don't worry about the approval of others. Continue to be curious and follow your own path to fulfillment. Don't worry about titles and being popular--this will leave you empty. Continue to learn and grow. Start where you are at and keep moving forward. Reflect on the value and joy that you will have as you pursue your dreams and NEVER...NEVER GIVE UP!