TWO BRUSH STROKES

The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word “crisis.” One brush stroke stands for danger, the other for opportunity. In a crisis, you need to be aware of the danger, but also recognize the opportunity.

Richard M. Nixon gave us some excellent advice, and we would be wise to heed his advice as we as face a potential crisis in our lives.

“Among other things, crisis represent opportunities to grow in wisdom. When you approach each crisis with this attitude, you will pluck the opportunity out of each situation and benefit from it. This attitude also sets the stage mentally for you to continue to grow.”

Richard M. Nixon

Everyone has problems and every now and then, everyone experiences a crisis. Former President Richard Nixon certainly had his. He must be an authority on the subject, but he must also be an authority on opportunity. Richard Nixon possessed both wisdom and mental strength. Not unlike us, he was not born with these qualities. He learned to develop them. All great leaders do. The important element is how you handle crises.

Most public personalities are mental giants. Their lives are examined and openly criticized on a daily basis. For many people this would be an unbearable crisis. However, to the personality who has high goals and a strong desire to reach them, the public criticism is viewed as unpleasant but a necessary part of the experience they require. A diamond in its original state is a rough piece of coal. It is only through abrasion that it becomes a beautiful gem.

“Crises,” two brush strokes. One stands for danger, the other for opportunity. Remember … be aware of danger yet, equally as important, recognize the opportunity. Excellent advice. Don’t shy away from a crisis. Glean from it what you need to learn and move on. If you view crises in this light, it will definitely make you a stronger person.