This Thing Called Life... We May Need This Inspiration More Than Ever Before!

Back in 2009 while in the midst of an uncertain economy, and a few times thereafter, I have shared this article and inspirational video. Almost every time I've done so I've heard from individuals thanking me and letting me know that it had helped them cope with difficult times.

Recently, I heard from someone who reminded me of the original post and how much it meant to him back then and how he often refers to it when facing a current challenge. It made me think about how it might help others today as we're once again experiencing economic uncertainty. Here's hoping that sharing it once again may help a few more that may need some inspiration and hope that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

As one might imagine, I spend a great deal of time seeking out articles and information that may be of interest to the franchise industry, and readers of this site. Most of the time I'm looking for things relevant to franchising, entrepreneurship and small business.

Recently, I came across an inspirational video, "Life is Like a Cup of Coffee." I watched the video several times, as I'm sure most of the people that have already seen this video have done. The message conveyed by the video made me think long and hard about the current economy and how it might be affecting people within the franchise community.

I thought about the franchise executives, who may be wondering when and where they'll work next. Or the entrepreneurs who invested large amounts of money developing new franchise systems, only to find themselves anxiously waiting for credit markets to ease up just a bit. And I could not help thinking about the many franchisees, with life savings invested, watching their personal lifestyles drastically change, as they try to squeeze dollars out of cents.

This video provides a simple, yet profound look at life that may shed light on how challenges being faced today need to be addressed, and hopefully, resolved. Maybe, just maybe, it can be looked at as the simple approach to tackle complex problems. And I've asked myself if it could really be instrumental in making people look at things differently and provide hope, where hope was not even considered before.

I know that hope is not a sound business strategy, but neither is waiting. At least with hope, it may provide inspiration to do things that may help in turning things around.

Anyway, take a look at the video and give this some thought. Then, please share it with your family and friends and request they share it with people they know. If we can ultimately help just one person, or just one family, we will have made progress. Progress that's necessary to survive this rough economic storm.

When Life Knocks You Down

A conversation the other day had me thinking long and hard about this quote. Sometimes it's easier said than done, but it's always possible to get back up. Honestly, I should practice what I preach. Well, not so much to get back up, but to do so quickly and without leaning on excuses. Even if there are justifiable reasons, they're still excuses. I should know better. I do know better. So, from me to you, here are my thoughts on getting back up after being knocked down by life.

When life knocks you down, you MUST get back up. Always!

Often, it's quick to jump right up on your feet. Other times it takes getting up on one knee and pulling yourself up, sometimes holding onto something, but all the while progressing to an upright position. And yes, there are times you'll actually stumble and fall back down, but you must push again to get back up.

An unforeseen weight causes you to fall down and is making it difficult to get back up? Find a way to push it aside. Dig deep inside for extra strength, for the will to get out from under it, crawling out if you must.

When all is said and done, you must get back up. You can do it. You must do it.

Now, I'm thinking about what I believe is one of the greatest motivational and inspirational speeches in movie history. The speech I'm referring to is by Rocky Balboa to his son... I believe that anyone that has seen the movie, Rocky Balboa will remember the speech but whether you do or not, take a minute or two to read through the words below:

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna?love?you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life."

Watch the video HERE

Have a great weekend. Make it happen. Make it count!