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Epic Health Partners CEO, Cory Williams, on How to Master Success in the Face of Adversity
Everyone on this planet experiences ups and downs in life. As difficult as they may seem, challenges are just part of growing. In fact, every single role model or hero throughout history gained notoriety because of the challenges they overcame. Cory Williams, founder and CEO of EPIC Health Partners, knows these realizations all too well.
Think about the story of David and Goliath. When David was just a small boy, he faced Goliath, who was a behemoth. Not only that, David was a shepherd who had no experience in battle. When David stood up to Goliath, he had every reason to be fearful, yet David was able to slay the giant with only a few pebbles and a slingshot.
In the moment, our challenges may seem imposing, as threatening as Goliath seemed to David. However, when you look directly at your own personal challenges, you can begin to see clearly the ways that you can overcome the obstacle. And if you think about it, you are probably armed with more than just a slingshot.
It’s also important to remember how challenges feel more threatening in the moment, as opposed to the way we view them in the aftermath. Certainly, after you face and overcome a problem, that problem tends to fade into the background of your memory.
So how does one master success in the face of adversity? Here are a few of my go-to pieces of advice I lend out to people when they get stuck on obstacles and can’t see the forest for the trees.
Expect Setbacks; Embrace Rejection
All of our heroes failed many, many times before they ultimately succeeded. Michael Jordan was infamously cut from the varsity basketball team when he was a sophomore in high school. Jay-Z was turned down by every record label in the business by producers who labeled him “too old” and “not hard enough” to be a rapper. These modern-day role models overcame their obstacles by embracing the rejection and moving past it.
Historically speaking, there are even stronger examples of what the human spirit can overcome. Frederick Douglas was born into slavery, violence and was separated from his family, but later became the leader of the abolitionist movement. It’s hard to imagine that slave born into a world stacked against him to such a degree, would teach himself to read and later become renowned for his oratory prowess and intellect. He serves as a powerful reminder that our most challenging situations pale in comparison to what he faced and overcame.
Redirect Your Fear
It is perfectly natural for us all to experience fear. That’s part of human nature and, to be frank, it is rational to experience some fear in the face of danger; much like David felt when he stood up and saw the giant towering over him. But what people sometimes fail to understand is that there is power in that fear. You can often redirect that adrenaline pulsing through your body to achieve something greater than what your fear would allow.
Put a Positive Spin on Negative Thoughts
All human beings experience a multitude of negative thoughts throughout their lives. It’s part of our genetic makeup to worry. In prehistoric times, our ancestors thought about the negative outcomes in every situation because they didn’t know if a major predator was near.
Nowadays, thankfully, we don’t have lions or bears lurking around every corner, but we still think about situations in a negative light. There is no shame in it. We do it because it kept our ancestors aware and alive. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining and every rejection can be seen as an opportunity for growth.
Don’t Take Life too Seriously
Life is meant to be lived and lived well. When you face your adversity head-on, you will be sure to find some humor in the situation. Facing the situation is a healthy way to build resilience. And remember, embrace the comedy over the drama.
About Cory Williams
Cory Williams is an Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Epic Health Partners, Epic Health, Epic Management Group, C&E Holdings, and a board member of the Raleigh, NC-based Tammy Lynn Center. Cory is a dedicated mental health awareness advocate and mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. For more information on Cory visit https://www.corywilliams.org
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