Using Your Biggest Challenge(r)s As Your Greatest Gift
Since Roger Federer won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, there have been 69 Grand Slam events. Including that 2003 title, Federer has won 20 Slams in total. Rafael Nadal equaled his record yesterday with his 13th French Open title. Novak Djokovic has 17 Grand Slam titles. These three astonishing athletes have won a combined 57 out of the last 69 Grand Slam titles on offer – a whopping 83%, over a period of close to two decades. Their closest rivals over this period have been Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, with 3 Slams each. Let that sink in for a while…
To say that these 3 geniuses have dominated their sport would be an understatement of note. Yet, one wonders whether any of them would have reached the heights of their achievements in the absence of the others. All three of these athletes are supposedly “too old” to still compete at the highest level, yet anybody who watched the French Open final on Sunday would be hard-pressed to think of a more complete, utterly dominating performance on any surface, as we saw from Nadal.
The point is these rivals need each other. They thrive on the challenge provided by the other. It would have been very “easy” to stop at 10 Grand Slam titles and still be considered a living legend, but the continued presence and unwavering ability to keep going are what keeps these masters of the game at their best. Following the match Federer posted on Instagram: “As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players… I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it.”
We could look at life in the same light. Yes, we can want the easy route – sunshine on your face and a nice breeze in your hair all the time. Or we can get real and step up to the challenges laid before us. I do not know what your challenge is – it might be a health concern, financial trouble, or relational issues. It could be a host of problems coming at you from all angles, all at the same time. The point is, what if these circumstances are exactly what you need to live up to your potential? What if this was the exact situation “designed” to lift you to the next level for the next season of life?
Would you become the brilliance of Federer if it were not for the power of Nadal or the grit of Djokovic on the other side of the net? Maybe you would, but it is doubtful.
The take-away.
Look at your challenges in a different light. Chances are you cannot wish them away. You probably cannot ignore them either. Why not take them on? Start seeing them as a gift. Use them to your advantage to keep going. Take the challenge. Become the hero.
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