Attitude to Persevere

You’re more powerful than you realize.

Shit happens, always. If we’re truly pushing ourselves, there will always be things that get in our way. When faced with challenges, struggles, or set backs we are quick to translate them as a sign that it’s just not meant to be. Surely ‘the universe’ is telling us something, right?

Maybe not.

What if it’s actually asking a question instead? What if circumstances aren’t telling us to quit but rather asking the question, “how much we want it”? Our perspective and attitude shape the version of events we accept. We can be discouraged or inspired to persevere.

How much we want it?

To illustrate the difference, I’d like to share a few current challenges. I’m not seeking pity or complaining, rather being vulnerable and illustrating a point…

• A client owes us nearly six figures for work they commissioned, approved, and we already completed. (Yes, ~$100,000)
• The same client is suing us with bogus claims to escape their payment.
• Projects are taking 30–40% longer than average to close.
• The product we’re launching has some strange bugs that are popping up at inopportune times.
• Rent at our office just increased.
• At home, our landlord is selling our house.
• My daughter has a strange rash that flares up randomly…
• She also has a few teeth coming in which cause her to wakeup crying in the middle of the night.
• We need to replace our car in the next 2 months so we can drive our newborn home from the hospital with our 16 month old daughter.
• Our health insurance costs are $1,800 a month.
• Our dog has a tumor on her face.
• Our power bill was double the average.
• My tooth is still aching after 3 visits and hundreds in dental work.
• The battery on my computer is acting up. 90% of my work day is on the computer.

Making a Choice

If I needed a list of reasons to quit, pack it up, play it safe…just see above. I’ve got them and they’re compelling. Many have it worse but this is not a menial list. Finding reasons to quit is easy as they are obvious and often loud. We’re good at finding problems. Humans by nature are problem oriented.

The reality is it could always get worse. The decision to overcome is a choice.

Instead of focusing on the reasons to quit, I’ve drawn solace and encouragement from the purpose of the work I’m involved with and by focusing on all the things that are going well.

• Every month we’re helping entreprenuers bring their ideas to life.
• We’re funding homes for families around the world.
• We just launched one of the largest innovations in home construction in the last century.
• Our newest business venture (a product to increase profit for franchise owners) is picking up steam major steam.
• We’re providing a vibrant, creative working environment for people in our city.
• Through both Polar Notion and New Story, we’re building something uncommon that amounts to more than the sum of it’s parts.
• My wife is pregnant with another girl, she is healthy, and she is able to stay home with Avery as she develops and matures.
• I’m involved with a community of entreprenuers (Entreprenuers Organization) that freely shares encouragement, insight, and experience.
• My dad and brother are launching their own business after years of dreaming and discussion.

It’s inspiring.

Choose Yourself

Instead of thinking it can’t be done, challenge yourself to explore, “what would it take to make it happen?” We’re rarely without options to change our circumstances.

Regardless of your circumstances, you’re more powerful than you realize. It might just take a shift in your perspective.