We all face disappointments and setbacks. Life is full of times when we get knocked down. Too often we are tempted to just sit there and settle for less than our very best. But if we are going to achieve our full potential we’ve got to bounce back mentally.
Lance Armstrong overcame incredible odds to become a seven-time Tour de France (the most prestigious race in cycling) champion. In 1996, although he had never won the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong was the number one ranked cyclist in the world. But in October of that year, Lance discovered he had advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. Chances for his recovery were less than 50 percent. He endured two surgeries, including brain surgery and chemotherapy. Although he was weak, Lance started to think about racing again only five months after his diagnosis. Unfortunately, to add insult to injury, his sponsor had dropped him.
But Lance didn't let that stop him. He decided to make a comeback. In 1998, he declared victory over cancer and returned to racing. The road back was long and hard, with many challenges and discouragements. But just one year later, in 1999, Lance won the Tour de France. Amazingly, he is now the only person in history to have won the race seven years in a row. What a comeback!
The question is, if Lance Armstrong had never experienced the adversity of cancer, would he have become the greatest cyclist in history? In his book, Every Second Counts (Broadway, 2003), he gives us the answer: "I've often said that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me ... the fact is that I wouldn't have won even a single Tour de France without the lesson of illness."
Guess what? Lance is up to it again. He’s training right now for another Comeback. Stay tuned…. I’m betting on Lance.
How about you? Have you experienced adversity in your business or life?
Are you letting it hold you back? Depending on how you choose to react to adversity, it can make you stronger and better and you can make a comeback.
How do you become a comeback person? Ask yourself the following:
Finally, get up every morning and look in the mirror and say “I am an honest, goal setting, self motivated positive person. I look good, I feel good, and I am moving closer to my dreams.
Remember to be the type of person who provides a service that other people need and fill that need and make friends along the way.
To your success,
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Billy Cox is a self-development speaker who has the unique ability to bring business and life issues together with a focus on business. He is the author of The All-Star Sales Book, The Dream Book and You Gotta Get In The Game. He can be contacted by calling 1-800-722-4685 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
