It has
crossed my mind, lately, that there are quite a few variables to accomplishment.
Life is complicated. The lives of those who push through their comfort zones to
triumph over the odds are even more complex.
Prominent
individuals come from different backgrounds. However, when we study them, we
find they have something in common: tenacity. Dictionary.com defines tenacity
as “the quality or property of holding together firmly.” Its synonyms are
determination, perseverance, and persistence.
Some people
with privileged circumstances make unwise choices and drift away. Others with
rough situations make the decision to push through absolutely anything. Let’s
look at some examples:
Dave Hutchison
Who’s Dave
Hutchison, you ask? Well, he’s the late brother of the one of the most
successful evangelical preachers around: Joyce
Meyer. They took a different track in life. Even though Joyce was the child
severely abused by their father, her brother was also traumatized by their
childhood.
He learned an unhealthy method of coping: substance abuse and avoidance. Although
he was handsome and intelligent, Dave Hutchison allowed his poor choices to
subvert his plans to have a family, a steady job, even a home.
His sister helped
him for years. She took him into her own home and gave him everything he
needed. Dave even worked in her company for two years. However, he couldn’t
handle the structure. He refused to take responsibility for himself. He moved
away, eventually.
Dave
Hutchison died penniless in an abandoned building in Los Angeles. His body wasn’t
discovered until a few days later. He only had a few minor personal effects,
including a business card from when he had worked in his famous sister’s
ministry.
Tyler Perry
This man is
a highly successful actor, producer, author, director, and the list probably goes
on forever. Few would have suspected such an outcome from the verbally and
physically abused child, though.
When this star first began his career, he was
financing his own poorly attended plays. He was living in his car for part of
that time, too.
Get this: Tyler
Perry was initially told that he shouldn’t make movies--because African
Americans don’t watch them.
Now, this man
is one of the most successful men in Hollywood. He has his finger in many pies.
His movies are always highly rated. They are considered to be realistic,
thoughtful presentations of African-American life. Also, his “Medea” character
has made millions laugh.
J.K. Rowling
You’d better
know who this is!!!! Her story is not unfamiliar, either. Britain’s current top-grossing
female author has used her own kind of wizardry to transform her life. She began
her writing career as a formerly abused, penniless single mother. She lived in
a tiny apartment with no heat. J.K. Rowling began her career while subsisting
on the government welfare system.
Greg Adler
He is the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 4-Wheel Parts. It’s been a family
business since 1961.They service and sale parts for high-end off-road
vehicles. Mr. Adler is prosperous and
healthy.
However, his
older brother has chosen a different route. He wasn’t motivated to stay in the prosperous family
business. He was sidetracked by poor
choices.
My Conclusion
Success really
has nothing to do with one’s background, or resources. In fact, a tough experience
can often be the catalyst to clawing one’s way to sky-high victory. As with many things in life, success is a
mindset.
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint.”—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
How have you programmed yourself for
victory?
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