The Brick Walls Are There For A Reason

June 5, 2008

photo credit: visualdensity

“Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats.” — Og Mandino

What are the brick walls you face? How do you handle them?

If everything were easy, what kind of joy would we really get? The obstacles we face help us. The help us by challenging us to think differently, or try something new, or work with new (and differnt) people, or change that perspective we have. If the brick wall we face is really worth it to us, then we’ll come out stronger for having tackled it. Sometimes the brick wall will win. But sometimes, we’ll conquer that brick wall. And in both cases, it’s a chance for us to learn and grow.

My son’s soccer team was losing pretty badly a couple of weeks ago. We quickly fell behind by several goals. The kids on the team started blaming each other. Some kids weren’t trying as hard as they could. As a coach, I was frustrated. Brick wall. At half time, we regrouped. We focused on what had went well, and talked about working together as a team and trusting everyone to play their positions. We played much better, everyone was having fun, and teamwork was evident. In the end we lost, but only by a two goals (after being down by many). So, the brick wall won. Or did it? We may not have conquered it. But, because of it, we became stronger as a team. And the next week we went on to have our best game of the season, playing with intensity, and really showing the teamwork we’ve been attempting to get to.

So, don’t view setbacks as failures. Consider them opportunities to learn. We can learn much from the brick walls we face. Embrace them! Welcome them! Grow from them!

Posted in Career, Personal Growth