Hold Your Ground and Keep Moving Forwards

“If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forwards.”

Martin Luther King Jr

Hold your ground and keep moving forwards. These are certainly words that all of us can live by, and benefit from, with the right mindset in place. At it’s roots, this mentality speaks to an unwavering determination to face life’s challenges, and commit to making progress, no matter how seemingly insignificant, rather than conceding to any lost or wasted time, or setbacks. There is no such thing as lost or wasted time, if you choose to learn from the experience and apply it moving forwards. And a setback is just an opportunity to bounce back with some momentum and purpose.

“I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison

Think about this quote for a few moments. It embodies everything I hope you take away from this post. To become what you want to be, you have to learn to weaponize failure and use it as motivation and a guiding force in your life. When you face resistance, dig your feet in and hold your ground. When you face a setback, look at it as an opportunity to strengthen your resolve, and push back even harder. You are far stronger than you realize. It is when you are truly put to the test, and rise to the occasion, that you see what you can accomplish through a little bit of grit, and determination.

Think of a stand-up comedian starting his or her routine and having not a soul laugh in the first 5 minutes of the gig. The easy path would be to simply walk off the stage and make up an excuse later for the early departure. That decision, although understandable, will not ultimately help in any meaningful way. Instead, sticking it out, and committing to the performance, understanding that the experience will build strength, and a better understanding of what will likely work and not work moving forwards, is a far better option. Knowing that you can face disappointment, embarrassment, and unexpected events with grace, and confidence, is the key to becoming unstoppable.

To become unstoppable, you have to say to yourself, and mean it, that no matter what you face, you will not let it stop you, or push you back in any way. I want you to say this statement whenever adversity hits, “Life, you have underestimated me. Not only will I prevail over your challenge, but I will come out stronger and more determined because of it.” Repeat that until you belief it with all your heart. Turn pain into purpose. Turn tears into the sweat you wipe off your brow, once you have conquered your opposition.

Do not avoid the uncomfortable or difficult, rather welcome and embrace it, as it is truly the source of meaningful growth and worthwhile experiences in your life. Just remember that no matter what, keep moving forwards, and have faith that your determination will foster positive things in your life, if you give it the time and opportunity to do so. As always, take care, God bless, and be well.

Written By: Man with a plan aka Jeffrey Kalinoski