Imagine…
- … you have this idea to invent a new technology that has never existed before. You are convinced that it is needed and will change the world. You tinker, you try, you tinker. You’ve been at it for months, years – but even after 10,000 attempts you haven’t managed to make it work. The press has become aware of you. They write about you, not necessarily very favourably. One article even calls you “out of your mind”. They ask you why you continue after so many failed attempts. How would you feel? What would you think, what would you say?
- … you have this idea for a new business model – but you need money to start. You write your concept, your business plan, and show up at various banks to ask for start-up capital. Some just shake their heads, others just smile without belief, others tell you that it won’t work. In the meantime, you have received a rejection from over 300 banks. What would you do? How would you feel?
- … you were born with a slight paralysis in your face, which also manifests in your pronunciation. At school you are teased, you are an outsider. But after an experience in the theatre club, you are on fire. You are determined to become an actor. You apply at universities, drama schools – you are ridiculed, you are repeatedly told that you have ZERO talent for acting. What would that do to you? What would you do?
- … you have this idea to develop computer technology in a completely new way. Together with a couple of friends you start a company that after a few years makes it to the top of the world. Pretty much at the peak of success, you are thrown out of your own company by the management of the company you yourself had put into place. And now? What do you do? How do you feel?
Do you know these stories? They are the stories of famous personalities. Mostly, however, we only hear about them when they become successful. Rarely does anyone talk about the rocky road to success. (Resolution below).
Why did they come to mind this week? Because I think it’s wonderful that we have so many resilience role models “out there”. For me, they are an inspiration especially in times when I think I have it hard or everything is so problematic.
I don’t have to become like these people. But I can take some of their qualities as an example.
Do you have such role models?
Biographies that fascinate you?
Do you want to make a difference? Or simply want to change things?
At what point in your life have you perhaps already resigned, lost faith (in yourself)?
There is always as much possible as you think is possible.
No one said it was easy.
But it is always more possible than you think!
Maybe these days are a good opportunity to look for a resilience role model?
Trust yourself, believe in yourself and have a wonderful week!
Birgit
Personalities:
1. Thomas Edison – and the invention of the light bulb (his answer was “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that do not work.”)
2. Walt Disney – He continued and (luckily!!) finally found a bank that gave him the money.
3. Sylvester Stallone – He decided to write a script himself that became populat – but only sold it if he would get the lead role in the movie – “Rocky”
4. Steve Jobs – You probably know that one 😉