When Facing Adversity, Apply Courageous Optimism
Life's journey often takes unexpected turns
Whether it's stepping into retirement or facing an unplanned job loss. I and many others have written about how these transitions can feel daunting. However, I believe they also present unique opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
A poignant example comes from the book that I just reread. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing whose skillful writing draws upon Sir Ernest Shackleton’s diary and writing to retell the remarkable story of the explorer ship Endurance and the crisis he faced in Antarctica from 1914 - 1916. The story of Sir Earnest Shackleton and the Endurance exhibition isn’t exactly a transition but it was a planned journey that went awry and resulted in a very abrupt transition from well-laid plans.
What stands out the most to me is Shackleton’s own doubts and fears that filled his mind while skillfully leading his crew through a harrowing 18 months after their ship was torn apart by pack ice in Antartica. They spend months living in tents on an ice flow and are forced to abandon the ice flow, then row and sail to the South Georgia Islands in three small boats. Europe is consumed by WWI and they have no transmitter to broadcast an SOS. The crew was alone and vulnerable to the harsh elements where temperatures go to -35 degrees. It was dire and all up to them to get themselves out.
Shackleton is resourceful, adaptable while fighting back despair. When this book was re-released in 1999, it captured the world’s attention. Many painted the story as chock full of leadership lessons. This is true. But, I think an even more important lesson is the courageous optimism that Shackleton displayed. “This indomitable self-confidence of Shackleton’s to the form of optimism. And, it would in two ways: it set the men’s souls on fire…just to be in his presence was an experience.”
Here is the one of Shackleton’s most cited quotes:
“The quality I look for most is optimism: especially optimism in the face of reverses and apparent defeat. Optimism is true moral courage.”
His unwavering optimism and leadership ensured that no crew member was lost during this ordeal. The book reads like a story of fiction. I’ve read it twice.
Tumultuous Life Transitions
Shackleton emphasizes the importance of facing life's challenges head on. Shackleton's ability to maintain hope and lead effectively in dire circumstances provides an inspiring example of applied optimism and resilience. What’s clear is that Shackleton never suggested that he or others be naive in their optimism.
Most people will not likely face the bevy of hardships faced by the Endurance crew, but our own challenges can feel just as real and daunting. For those facing retirement or job loss, these principles can be applied in several ways:
Embrace the Unknown: Like Shackleton venturing into uncharted territories, view your transition as an opportunity for new discoveries.
Maintain Optimism: As Shackleton demonstrated, optimism is a powerful tool for overcoming adversity.
Create New Purpose: Use this transition to explore new passions or rediscover old ones, creating a new sense of purpose. Shackleton went from a purpose based upon the exhibition to ensuring every member of the crew returned home alive.
Build Resilience: Shackleton experience highlights the importance of building mental and emotional resilience.
By drawing on the wisdom of this influential leader, we can find inspiration and guidance in cultivating our own courageous optimism. Unlike Shackleton's expedition with its relentless adversity due to capricious flows and currents, your journey will likely be less dramatic. Nonetheless, it’s a journey through difficulty and doesn't end here – it's just taking a new path.
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