Leadership Thought #441 – Keep Pressing Forward
No matter what happens, you must continue to press forward.
Life rewards persistence. Too many people give up too soon and never fully realize their potential or dreams. Success is not merely a matter of luck or good fortune. It is about focus, hard work, determination, and resolve. Everyone’s life journey has its share of bumps along the way. Keep moving forward even when it’s hard. Obstacles strewn along our path are just opportunities to further build our character. They also test how much we genuinely want something. If success always came easily, it wouldn’t hold much meaning.
Joseph Campbell famously referred to an individual’s life as a “Hero’s Journey.” Since I first heard these words, I have always tried to think of my life this way. Throughout history and literature, the heroes we tend to most admire are those who overcame great obstacles or navigated significant adversity. We can all relate, in a much smaller way, to the inevitable rigors of human existence. It takes a significant amount of courage and self-confidence to bet on yourself and push the boundaries of your potential. To encourage others to follow you down this road is an even more impressive leadership feat.
I have had the privilege of closely observing the lives of many talented leaders. They are all different in their own way; however, the best of them never wilt under the glare of the spotlight or retreat from complex challenges. They keep pressing forward, especially when it is difficult. They rally the troops and muster the collective strength to handle whatever comes their way. Instead of giving up, they redouble their efforts and refuse to accept failure as an option.
Their success doesn’t mean they never fail, but when they do, they learn from it and don’t let it define them. They grow stronger with time and experience, rather than allowing themselves to be weakened by it. The goal should always be to improve your success rate with each successive challenge.
Sadly, many individuals become spectators or passive participants in their lives and careers. Many of us tend to live in a reactive mode, conforming to societal conventions rather than proactively carving out our unique path. It is a fact of human nature that most people would rather follow than lead. When faced with challenges, we often turn to others for guidance and support. We often run or freeze when things become difficult or cause unnecessary conflict. Ironically, we then complain about the outcomes. Everyone is truly a critic. Unfortunately, not everyone exhibits bravery or is self-reliant when needed.
Life becomes much more bountiful if you embrace all aspects of the journey, not just the parts that feel good or come easily. Find the courage within yourself to keep pressing forward, no matter what the challenge. Only retreat when there is no other real option. Once you have clarity on your goals, move toward them consistently and resolutely.
Believe in yourself and your ability to remain steadfast in the face of any storm.
I’ll end with a series of Winston Churchill quotes I have always liked:
“Never give in — never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.”
“Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.”
“
Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.”
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others.”
