As a business owner you know that perseverance is one of the keys to succeeding. Giving up is not an option in your choose-your-own-adventure lifestyle. But how do you continue to step forward in the face of adversity, or what if one of your ideas doesn’t succeed immediately?
It’s a combination of belief and willpower. Having faith that your life is unfolding as it should for a specific purpose and having the resolve to continue your trek uphill.
Keep on keepin’ on.
I recently went to Egypt to work with Coptic Christians – specifically a young church, in both tenure and attendee age. Christians are 10% of the population in Egypt, a much different statistic than in the United States. As any minority knows, it will be a slow but deliberate trek up the slope of progress. In a land of constant persecution, where discrimination and injury and death are abundant, they still keep on keepin’ on.
I wish I were that brave.
Let’s pretend for a moment that your new company, “Against All Odds 24/7,” began as an idea to improve something you felt was lacking in society. [Insert controversial topic of choice – gun control, pro-life movement, bringing back the pager.] Your idea turns out to be pretty unpopular, at least to the general population. But you still believe it is the right way to improve society. And haven’t almost all new ideas strayed off of the mainstream path? I remember when email came around. Man, that was a dumb idea – who would want an electronic letter? Just mail it! Good thing no one listened to me, although the post office may disagree.
So Against All Odds 24/7 has been launched and you are investing your time and money. You talk to everyone you know about it; you ask your friends for contacts, and reach out to their contacts’ contacts. However, you realize pretty early on you have to approach all these potential business associates with finesse. You can’t just trample in like an elephant with your unlikable concept. So you demonstrate your idea by living it, by subtly marketing it, and by being strategic with your audience.
Adversity is a challenge. And you were born for challenges.
Sounds a bit like a t-shirt slogan.
Imagine walking down a city street with your new nifty t-shirt stating, “Attack Me.” And people did – verbally, physically, or mentally beating you down. Or perhaps you are dressed conservatively but everyone could still immediately tell that you were the one causing all the trouble with the unpopular idea. What if your family disowned you and your friends turned their backs on you. Would you still be able to trek on?
If you truly believe in your business venture, you have to keep moving. No matter if your steps falter a bit or you slow down. Never quit, run your concept into the ground if you have to, but don’t just give up.
Let’s take a cue from the Egyptian Christian minority. They will run the race ‘til the end. Even if they are harassed on the street. Even if they are qualified but overlooked for that job. Even if they end up in an alley. They will take one step at a time – no matter in darkness or in light. They will persevere.
You too, can endure what comes – against all odds.
For more information regarding persecuted churches or to get involved, please go to International Messengers.
