“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This is one of my favorite quotes. I often change the wording around to fit my current circumstance and it helps me ‘dig deep’ within and search for a reason to move forward. The word “controversy” often gets changed for whatever challenge I’m up against at that moment; challenge and self-doubt, challenge and no motivation, challenge and fatigue, etc.… In the Marines, I often faced obstacles that pushed my body and mind to the point of absolute exhaustion. You may have pushed yourself to the point of exhaustion in an academic environment, a challenging project at work, or as you hustled getting your business off the ground – but what keeps you going?
A tool I use is remembering why I started. This simple and effective tool has helped me overcome some difficult challenges. Think of the situation you were in when you decided to start your business and why you made the ultimate leap. Was it your financial situation or your passion to do what makes you happy? Did you want to fill a need or were you monetizing your gifts to help those with a need? Did God give you a clear vision for His call on your life? If or when you battle self-doubt, hit that wall of fatigue, or are on the brink of quitting – do you remember why you started? Do an honest assessment and think about the circumstances around your decision to launch your business. The grind, the hours, the effort, even the times your friends wanted to go out, but you chose to stay home because you had to save money or use that time to build your dream.
Do not give up. Keep doing what is in your heart. Seek wise counsel if you cannot find the self-motivation to keep pressing. Focus on the goal you set to accomplish, keep moving towards it at your pace. “The starting point of all achievement is desire,” - Napoleon Hill. Remember what you desired to build and use it as the foundation of your life’s work. Stay motivated and lace your shoes up tight so you can run the race. It can either be a sprint or a marathon; that all depends on your business. Remember why you started and stay motivated!
