How having a background with ups and downs, as well as mixing with an eclectic variety of groups, is more prone to make you successful.
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I’ll never claim to be perfect or that I have everything figured out. In the decade of your 20s, (and even later on), I’m only seeking understanding of it all and attempting to cement my foot in the world. A decade of defining who you are, your vision, and where you want to go–no decade is more prevalent for confusion and misunderstanding of one’s self. As soon as you reach your Eureka moments and think you have things figured out, something else trips you up and sticks thrown into spokes solely reinforces your confusion. Nonetheless, I ask you to embrace this confusion and these ups and downs with open arms. It isn’t easy to say the least. Life will always come at you in waves, so prepare yourself for the next wave: it’s all you can do.
You do not stay in a defined box in your views but can draw experiences provided from a multitude of others.
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So where does diversity come in all of this? Having experiences with a diverse set of groups and events in life will give you the best experience to manage events in your future. Dealing and spending time with people of all backgrounds and cultures, and dealing with various ups and downs will give you a greater understanding of life. The multitude of views and experiences people from different parts of the world will give you is invaluable. You do not stay in a defined box in your views but can draw experiences provided from a multitude of others.
You are also better able to understand a variety of markets as you have mixed up your life with a variety of people. From the perspective of European friends struggling under a recession, to an Iranian or Lebanese friend detailing to you aspects of the Middle East, to toasting to Mate with an Argentinian friend and even picking up various phrases whether in Spanish, Arabic, or German to use in conversation; these experiences are so pivotal and enabling. This group allows one perspective that one can take directly from a career and establish stronger relationships.
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“Hey, we’re talking to a guy from Ba-goat-uh Colombia…”
“You mean Bo-go-ta?”
“Yeah….NO idea what he’s saying…I said Hola, but I don’t think he liked that…”
“Ahh….let me talk to him……Buen dia señor, como esta usted hoy?”
I honestly would not give up–for anything–less than having a diverse set of experiences and people to spend my life with. Nonetheless, it is going through ups and downs that will give you invaluable experiences. To be willing to succeed, you ultimately must be prepared to fail. You must be prepared to fall flat on your face if you truly seek to fly and excel above all else. This isn’t just once either; you have to be willing to do this over and over again.
Progress at all costs, Martin Luther King, said it best:
“If you can’t fly then run, If you can’t run then walk, If you can’t walk then crawl, But whatever you do you have to keep moving.”
Knowing how to handle failure graciously and get back up is a critical asset to your future success. Being better equipped when things don’t quite go your way, you don’t take them personally, but know they are simply a part of the process–which is where the truth lies. You must not be so focused on the outcomes but fall in love with the process of betterment. Failing will teach you to stand stronger.
“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Bruce Lee
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Your heart is hurting, and your bones are weak, but a real champion stands up.
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Failing never feels good. It never feels beneficial to be kicked when you’re down, as that’s how it always seems to go sometimes. Again, life comes in waves. “When it rains it pours.” This can be said for both positive and negative circumstances. Let them make you stronger and more appreciative for when everything is bouncing your way.
You’re down. You’re bleeding. Your heart is hurting, and your bones are weak, but a real champion stands up no matter how broken their legs are. Even if they have to wobble, and their knees are failing, they will still stand tall and fight. I ask you to embrace these circumstances.
For every circumstance that makes that voice in your head–or someone tells you that you can’t or points a finger in your face–that you’re not good enough; I want you to find every reason to prove them both wrong.
Remember…..you’re a fighter….let’s do this.
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Photo: Flickr/ Keep the Dream Alive