The realm of success is a world of endless possibilities. I remembered vividly in August 2000, when the then president of the United States of America Bill Clinton visited Nigeria. And in his speech he said that the country is a ‘land of possibilities’. That statement generated a lot of controversies, people misinterpreted it especially the press. The statement was critically examined and analyzed, and critiques were of the opinion that the statement meant that it is a land where anything goes.
Critically, analyzing the statement to the best of my knowledge confirms that it is a land of great potentials for greatness. It is a world of endless possibilities. No matter the adverse socio-political and economic situation of the country, there is still potential for success and greatness. Everywhere in Nigeria there are possibilities for greatness despite the adverse economic situations and financial hardship.
One thing we should know for sure is that there is always a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. And that no matter the hopelessness of our situations there is always a glimpse of hope. Hence, each time we face challenges of adversity there is always the possibility we will overcome and succeed, if we persevere. However, we must understand that we ably enamored to handle challenges. And there is also a way out of every adversity if we can cultivate the right attitude. The sooner we understand this rudiment of life the better.
When one door closes another opens, but often we look so long regretfully, upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us – Helen Keller
In adversity doors are closed but the earlier we understand, that when one door closes another one opens, the better for us. This makes our conquest over challenges of adversity very easy. The human nature is such that the momentary response to problems is that of hopelessness, frustration, and despair. We brood too long over the calamities and misfortunes of adversity to the extent that we see nothing good in adversity. We tend to forget that we are not meant for problems rather problems are meant for our promotion in life. And each time we solve problems new doors to world of endless possibilities are opened up.
In times of adversity challenges abound, and these challenges are the realities of adversity which we must encounter. These challenges are not only temporary, we can also overcome them. Even though they seem like stumbling blocks they are indeed stepping stones to our promotion in life. Moreover, every challenge you overcome in life is an opportunity for greatness in life. Therefore, the reward of overcoming challenges is greatness.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us, (Romans 8: 18).
Like I said earlier there is seemingly nothing good about adversity, but when you overcome the challenges of adversity then you will know that is not bad in its entirety. Adversity works to bring out the best in us. Nevertheless, the best of us will not emerge until we pass through the hot fiery furnace of adversity. The furnace of adversity refines us like gold, taking care of every impurity of fear and weakness.
… that which does not kill you makes you stronger. Nietzsche.
According to Nietzsche, “that which does not kill you makes you stronger’. Challenges can only make you stronger by taking care of your fears and weakness. I remembered during the economic meltdown, many companies had to downsize their workforce as a response to the challenges of the syndrome. Many of people were affected by the retrenchment exercise. One of them, a woman was so upset about the whole exercise.
According to her she is not yet prepared for such challenge. She failed to see possibilities in her adversity. She fails to realize that when one door closes another one opens. When she eventually gathered herself together she was able to see the possibilities in her adversity. She is now a dealer in fabric material, firm and established. Not until she took her eyes off the closed door of her job, she could not see the possibilities of a looming international business.
Have you lost your job? Are you highly indebted? Have you closed shop as a result of bankruptcy? I encourage you to be strong. Understand that no matter the hopelessness of your adversity there are still possibilities of success. That is the incentive you need in the quest for success. However, you must understand that it is your knowledge of possibilities in adversity that gives impetus to your quest for success in life. One major lifeline of success is for you to see possibilities. No matter the magnitude or toughness of your adversity you must see possibilities. Finally, what guarantees your success in life is your ability to see a world of endless possibilities even in the middle of your adversity.