You can persevere despite hardships you may be facing! The pandemic and social unrest has challenged us all, but I believe there is a Bamboo Farmer in you that can patiently and persistently water through these challenging times. It is wise to recall moments where you persevered in the past—these experiences can propel you forward now. It’s also good to have examples of people who have made it through tough circumstances.
In my book, Water The Bamboo, I write about how the Bamboo Farmer must persevere through setbacks and hardships. I use an example of a person who persevered through the following hardships:
Mother passed away when he was a young boy
Failed in business
Defeated in an election for the legislature
Failed in business again
His fiancée died
Defeated in his bid for speaker of the state legislature
Defeated for a seat in Congress
Defeated for a seat in Senate
Defeated for Vice President
Elected President of the United States of America
Who was this person?
Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln had many reasons to quit, but he embodied extraordinary perseverance. Lincoln could serve as a great role model for perseverance. Here are three key things we can learn from Lincoln’s life.
It’s not what happens that determines your course; it’s how you respond to what happens.
Your bamboo, or how you grow it, may change. If one way does not work, keep looking, and searching for a way to succeed.
Life’s difficult circumstances can be a source of strength and growth in handling the challenges that you face.