Victory From Defeat

I'm sitting here watching the Olympics (as I have been for almost two weeks), and I've noticed a common theme.   Every sport has a story about an athlete who suffered a devastating loss at the last Olympics or World Championship, and used that defeat as inspiration and impetus for improvement.  That defeat inspired these athletes to redouble their efforts, reinvent themselves and improve their skills.  They have come back having learned from their loss and determined not to let it happen again.  Lots of these folks have also endured personal tragedy, but used the tragedy as inspiration to succeed.   These people have suffered public, in many cases humiliating, defeat.  They have had their personal tragedies broadcast to the public at large. Yet, they persevere and flourish.   There is a huge lesson here for the Trenches.  Yes, divorce is a gut-wrenching, grief-ridden experience.  It is stressful, and at times, embarrassing and humiliating.  It is a tragic loss.  For most people, it is the nadir of their lives.  The million dollar question is what do these people do with that experience?  Do they quit, or do they redouble their efforts and say "I'll be damned if I let this miserable experience define who I am for the rest of my life?"   Had they simply given up in the face of loss, Felix Sanchez would not have won Gold in the 400m hurdles, Ryan Lochte would not have won the Gold in the 400m medley, and Ellis Coleman wouldn't have been at the Olympics.  Their stories are an inspiration to all of us, but should be especially meaningful to our clients in the Trenches.  Read some of their stories.  If they can come back to win, so can our clients.  Remember, living well is the best revenge.  Here in the Trenches.