Adversity is Your Opportunity
If anyone could’ve made an excuse to blame his unfortunate circumstances on coaches, the system, or other reasons why his treatment was possibly unfair, it was Jalen Hurts. But, of course, you can say that about his time at Alabama after he was benched in the NCAA College Football Championship game or when his team failed to live up to its potential during his rookie year for the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, Jalen never relented. Instead, he worked harder and found new opportunities. Now he can call himself a Super Bowl quarterback and the first to score one passing and three rushing touchdowns. Even though he didn’t win the Super Bowl this year, his record-setting four-touchdown performance is proof adversity molded him into an elite athlete.
Adversity comes in many forms. First, there are external adversities like economic conditions, weather conditions, unfair or unjust treatment from others, prejudices, and many others that probably come to mind for you. Then there are internal adversities like mental and emotional damage from past experiences, injuries, physical limitations, and more.
But the difference between people like Jalen Hurts and those who give up when faced with misfortune is their perception of adversity. For some, adversity is the sum reason for quitting. It’s all the proof they needed. They weren’t supposed to be chasing their dreams. Instead, at the first sign of a problematic situation, they’ve given up the opportunity for a lifestyle change. For these types of people, adversity is the lock that closes the door to possibility.
For people who see adversity as an opportunity, every loss, setback, or difficult situation is the key to unlocking opportunity. Adversity is the very reason to continue pressing toward a goal. It’s the proof they need to know they’re on the right track to achieve their dreams. Hard times make them harder to break.
So whatever adversity you’re facing today—unfair treatment, situations that don’t make sense, a problem you can’t figure out, not reaching your financial or weight goals—take a moment to shift your perspective. Consider how your adversity is creating your opportunity. If you give up now, you may never realize what could’ve been. Adversity as your opportunity.