Sometimes life gives you what you did not bargain for. You must learn to overcome the many challenges that come your way. If you want to progress and grow, don’t be afraid when faced with challenges.
In fact, adversity prepares you for what is coming ahead. Embracing and conquering your current challenges will help usher you into your destiny.
“Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” – George S. Patton.
Every day you wake up is an opportunity to do what you want. You must always look forward to the day ahead, knowing you will give it your very best and conquer it.
I am encouraged by Mr Hakainde S. Hichilema, the 7th Republican President of Zambia. Businessman turned into a politician.
He lost many general elections and never gave up. He was imprisoned and faced one of the most unfriendly governments I have ever witnessed in Zambia.
In the end, he won an election by a huge margin, defeating the sitting President convincingly. His story inspires some of us. This is a story of perseverance and having a never-give-up mentality.
Being on the opposing side for 20 years and still believing and having faith that he would win is amazing. It shows how much faith the man has in his abilities.
Well, I guess that is why he’s such a successful and respected businessman.
It takes a lot of courage, determination, sacrifice, and resilience to do what he has done, especially in African politics.
Some of the folks who joined him gave up along the way and went back to the other side of the coin to sit and dine with the very people they were calling all sorts of names and opposing.
His story also teaches us many things and makes me believe even more in the principle that “do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.”
Life can change at the snap of a finger. God always has the final say in your destiny. Don’t be discouraged by what people say about you keep the faith and look to God for guidance.
Never be too comfortable when you hold a position of power, especially in political office. People will respect you only while you still hold office. Mostly because of what they can gain from your office.
The moment you leave the office, and especially if you leave in a disgraceful manner, you will be humiliated. You will be alone. You will realise that all those who sang songs of praise for you will not be anywhere near.
That is why it is better to leave the scene when people are still clapping for you. That way, they will continue to respect you long after you have left the office.
Stay Focused on the Prize
When you are focused and can see the end of the road, you will be motivated to work until you achieve your goals. No amount of adversity can sway you from achieving your goals.
Your vision illuminates the path to your success. It is the torch that lights your way. Everything you do is laser-focused and centred on your vision.
All your efforts and energies are channelled to achieve what you desire.
Mr Hichilema’s prize was the presidency, which he finally won after contesting five times. He did not let his suffering get the better of him.
I am sure that spending all those nights in prison, in what he called a filthy environment, made him even more hungry to achieve his goal.
It also teaches that when you are destined for something great, God always protects you from your enemies. For all I know, he could have easily been harmed or killed whilst in detention.
Yet, his life was preserved and rewarded for his tenacity and faithfulness. Today, he goes down in history as the 7th President of the Republic of Zambia.
Hang in There
The higher the prize, the higher the cost. The more adversity, the higher the rewards. After the storm, the sea is calm.
Many of us give up just when we are about to experience a breakthrough. That is what happened to those who were alongside Mr Hichilema.
They jumped to the other side, not knowing he would become President and that they would remain on the opposing side.
If only they had persisted and endured the rough journey with him, they would have been celebrating with him.
In life, it is always important to be focused and believe in yourself and your cause. Life will always throw things at you. Especially when you are destined for a greater calling.
Conclusion
“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” – William Ellery Channing.
Follow your heart’s desires and have a vision for what you want to achieve.