- Work It Now! How Winners Deal
with Adversity
- by Waldo Waldman
I remember the first time I was
deployed to Iraq during Operation Southern Watch. I sat in an
intelligence mission briefing with 50 of my fellow fighter pilots
(my wingmen) where we were briefed on the multiple threats that
scattered the enemy terrain in Iraq. The SAM's (surface to sir
missiles) and AAA (anti-aircraft artillery) were everywhere -
each with the reach and power to shoot us out of the sky.
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I couldn't help but notice the
anxious feeling that was in the pit of my stomach. The dread,
panic, and fear were almost overwhelming. For the first time
in my military career, I was going to be tested in combat. It
was 'go time'...time to put all my training…the years of
study, focus, sacrifice, and sweat...to the test. From the Air
Force academy where I learned the fundamentals of discipline
and teamwork, to the 79th Fighter Squadron where I learned to
fly the sophisticated F-16 and the complicated tactics necessary
to defeat the enemy. All of this training would soon be put to
use.
But deep down I wondered if I
was ready. How would I perform under this real pressure? Would
I get shot down? Was I truly prepared for this ultimate test?
I thought to myself, what good was my military and fighter training
if I wasn't able to execute when it really counted? I had to
get focused!
Despite my insecurity, the bottom
line was that I was ready. When I reflected on all of my training
and preparation, the more confident I became. All of my previous
work would allow me to win in Iraq. I didn't need to be afraid. |
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Each day, we're faced with missiles
of business and life that are being shot at us as we execute
our missions. How will you deal with them? Will you take action,
or shirk away in fear? Do you have the foundation of training,
preparation and mental focus necessary to face those missiles
with courage and confidence?
Winners work hard and plant seeds
of success long before the enemy strikes. That's why WIN stands
for Work it Now!
I recently received and e-mail
from a friend who works in real estate (she is a very successful
time share salesperson). She wrote, "Waldo, I sure could
use a sale (and some motivation from you) right now. I know I'll
get over this slump, but business is terrible!"
I felt for her.
Yes - business is bad all over.
Look at the economy and it's quite clear that these are tough
times. It's a huge missile and it's pointing at us all.
How we deal with this missile
will ultimately determine whether or not we'll defeat it. For
it's the tough times that determine the true character of a winner.
If you want to test the character of an individual in business,
see how they act when the sales are down, when they're having
bad month, or when the competition is taking away their business.
Will you Forget Everything And
Run or Focus Energy and Accept Responsibility?
Here are a few wingtips to
help you to take action with courage:
1. Flight plan your day - Get up earlier, schedule
your action items, reduce or eliminate your TV time, take a course
on sales. Get focused on the preparation fundamentals that lead
to business success.
2. Surround yourself with positive, successful wingmen
– eliminate the Naysayers and attract the "Yaysayers."
These are your comrades of confidence who will lend you their
wings to fly, but who will also hold you accountable for your
actions.
3. Be a WingGiver - Help others. Remember, there
are folks like you who are struggling (personally and financially).
Find a way to help ease their suffering with your skill, connections,
and compassion
4. Be thankful – Appreciate all your blessings
and take inventory where your life is going well, and don't focus
on the negative.
Life has its ups and downs. As
soon as we think we have it under control....BAM! Another missile
gets launched at us. Don't resist it. Rather, accept it as a
challenge to upgrade your flight status and strengthen your wings.
Remember that winners deal with adversity by ensuring they have
done the necessary work and relationship building before the
missiles of life are launched.
If you wait until after the missiles
are in the air, then it's probably too late.
PUSH IT UP!® |
