"Some leaders treat adversity as a stepping-stone, others as a tombstone."

A thought by John C. Maxwell, from her book, Leading in Tough Times (p. 5). Center Street, Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

It is a choice that will make a difference.

John says, "The difference in the way they approach it depends on how they see it. Performance psychologist Jim Loehr says, 'Champions have taught us how to take an experience and essentially write the story of its effect. If you see a failure as an opportunity to learn and get better, it will be. If you perceive it as a mortal blow, it will be. In that way, the power of the story is more important than the experience itself.' "

He goes on, "If you respond right to adversity, you see it as something that can help you to become better than you were before. I read a poem years ago by James Casey called 'Climb the Steep.' The first stanza says, 

"For every hill I’ve had to climb 

For every rock that bruised my feet 

For all the blood and sweat and grime

For blinding storms and burning heat 

My heart sings but a grateful song

These were the things that made me strong"

John continues, "What kind of story will tough times write in your life? Every leader gets a chance to be the hero in a potentially great story. Some step up to that role and some don’t. The choice is yours.

"Good leaders see and seize opportunities. They are continually on the lookout for ways to help their organizations and advance their teams. Leadership authors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner liken leaders to the settlers who founded the United States or tamed the western frontier. They write, 'Leaders are pioneers—people who are willing to step out into the unknown. They are people who are willing to take risks, to innovate and experiment in order to find new and better ways of doing things.' "

He then says, "Leaders, by definition, are out front. They take new territory and others follow them. Great leaders don’t merely send others out in times of trouble. They lead the charge. They’re more like tour guides than travel agents. They see opportunities, prepare to move forward, and then say, 'Follow me.' "

It is our choice, isn't it? Yes, yes! #continuethought