What do Michael Jordan and punching bags have in common?

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I have lost almost 300 games.  On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot…and I missed.  I have failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that’s precisely why I succeed.” ~Michael Jordan

Continuing my series of posts about common characteristics shared by successful individuals, today’s installment revolves around the characteristic of resilience.

A great description of resilience is given on the site wisdomcommons.org.  “Resilience is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience.  Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up.  It is the quality of character that allows a person or group of people to rebound from misfortune, hardships, and traumas.”

The visual I get when it comes to the characteristic of resilience is one of those inflatable punching bags with a weight in the bottom, that will always bounce back up no matter how times you knock it down.

I get knocked down, but I
bounce back again!

Think about yourself.  The main difference between the masses and those who are successful is their ability to bounce back after adversity or rejection.  While the masses accept defeat, and crawl back to safety, never daring to try again, those who are truly successful fully expect that failures are part of life, and they bounce back from the setback, better and stronger than before.

The next time you feel defeated, rejected, or face adversity, remember to choose to be resilient; choose to not let yourself feel deflated or without hope.  The strong keep bouncing back, stronger than ever, ready for the next challenge!

That is true success!

“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.” ~William Connor Magee

I wish you the best!

-Victor