That all you got, 2020?

These are difficult times for lots of people. Over the last several months, I’ve found myself reflecting over the heavy toll that the pandemic and racial inequity is laying upon our country. Yet, I believe that together we will weather this storm just like we’ve weathered other storms in our nation’s history. One of the things that helps me deal with these challenging times is reflecting on positive thinking and how it shows up as confidence in myself and in others.

I believe that confidence is the game-changer.

Confidence is the catalyst to achieve goals many may consider impossible – personally, professionally and as a community. People often ask me where to find this confidence. Of course, there have been many people who have been that source, inspirers of confidence, for me over the years. But when things get difficult, I like to channel one of my heroes, Muhammad Ali.

During the heyday of Ali’s boxing career in the 1960s, when the world was telling Black Americans that they were second-rate citizens, Ali was making a bold and powerful proclamation: “I am the greatest.”

It changed people’s perception of him, matching the one he had of himself.

 You see, confidence comes from self-esteem, and it’s called self-esteem for a reason: you have to give it to yourself.

Ali’s most memorable boxing match for me was the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. Ali was 32 years old when the heavyweight championship match took place in Kinshasa, Zaire. Not only was he thought to be past his prime, but he was also facing one of the hardest-hitting punchers in the history of heavyweight boxing: George Foreman.

In the world of boxing, there was a nearly unanimous consensus: Ali would lose to the previously unbeaten Foreman.

Not only was Ali a huge underdog, but he was performing on one of the biggest stages in the world. It’s estimated that a billion people watched the fight, making the match the most-watched live television event at the time.

Ali won in eight rounds. Confidently.

Decades later, Foreman would say, “All I thought was, ‘Should I be merciful or not?’ I thought Ali was just one more knockout victim until – about the seventh round – I hit him hard in the jaw and he held me and whispered in my ear: ‘That all you got, George?’”

In Ali’s mind, he had already won the fight.

Ali’s positive outlook and self-esteem have inspired countless people, giving them the confidence to achieve their life’s purpose and positively impact their communities.

Imagine the impact that type of self-generated confidence could have on your life and in your community.

One of the most important aspects of my job is to inspire confidence in others, just as Ali inspires confidence in me. Because confidence enables all of us to be better people in our workplaces, homes and communities.

I’m constantly instilling confidence in my teammates. I want them to feel empowered so together we can create a purpose-driven, innovative company culture that always puts our clients first so they can achieve their financial goals and live better lives; and do it with confidence.

During these difficult times, it’s important for all of us to channel some of Muhammad Ali’s confidence. Especially since 2020 has made us the underdog.

That all you got, 2020?

What’s your favorite Ali quote or quote about confidence? Share it in the comments, and tag someone who’s in your corner.

Next up, I’ll share my thoughts about two of my other heroes: Jackie Robinson and W.E.B. Du Bois.