Navigating Through the Darkness

A wise man once said, "Fairy tales do not start, nor do they end, in the dark forest."

We often tend to think that dark and low moments are going to be the end of us. Hell; it's in our nature. When things seem beyond our capabilities, obstacles appear insurmountable and all hope is lost, far too often, our immediate reaction is to cut our losses and retreat. I mean, what do you expect?

However, I have yet to read or encounter any storyline in which the dark forest or conflict is located in the beginning or at the end of the story. More often than not, it is slap-dab in the middle. Life is a series of peaks and valleys. And although life is no fairy tale, I believe there are key lessons to learn from the tales, fables, and stories we have heard from past generations.

We all experience times of doubt and uncertainty. But the undisputed and top contributing factor between success and failure is grit.... simply grit. Grit is being able to continue in the midst of doubt over long periods of time. The heroes and leaders we admire, and respect see times of difficulty as a way to establish credibility or acquire validation for the pursuit of future endeavors.

Instead of seeing doom and gloom as the outcome, envision obstacles as prerequisite hurdles that will act as qualifications for future pursuits. Although it is easier said than done, it's imperative and crucially necessary to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That is.... if you intend to survive.

After all, if it wasn't for the dark, then the light would have no meaning.

Mike Wagner

VP, Wagner Consulting Group

[email protected]

601-853-0076