AGAINST THE ODDS

In 2005 I picked up Success through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone.  I didn’t expect this book to completely change my perspective on life, and my ability to conquer anything I set my mind to, but it did.  I read that I was “born a champion.”  That seemed awfully easy to say, and I didn’t quite believe it until I read the next couple paragraphs.

The authors explained that my life’s greatest battle had already been won: the battle for existence.  They reminded me that of tens of millions of sperm competing for one egg, only one succeeded: “the one that made me.”  They convinced me that I “had become a champion over the most staggering odds [I] will ever have to face.”

This fact had never manifested itself in my thinking before.  I was well aware of this process, but never caught on to the plain truth that I was born to be a champion.  My entire perspective on life changed the minute I read the words: “over the most staggering odds you will ever have to face.”  Why didn’t I ever realize that before?  I suddenly felt incredibly confident in my abilities to overcome any obstacle that presented itself in my life.  I could have used that confidence boost a long time before.  Well, it was better late than never!

I remind myself of this simple truth every time I am faced with hardship in my life.  The moment I think I can’t do something, my mind thrusts this story back into my thoughts and inspires me to keep pushing on.  I repeat in my mind the words of Success through a Positive Mental Attitude: 

“You were born to be a champion, and no matter what obstacles and difficulties lie in your way, they are not one-tenth so great as the ones that have already been overcome at the moment of your conception.  Victory is built in to every living person.” 

So next time you feel like you can’t do something, remember you are already a champion. Remember that you have already conquered.  The next time you feel like your family, or team at work, can’t accomplish something; remember that they are all champions too.  With the right perspective and attitude you can accomplish anything.  Your existence is the proof.