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Profit of Adversity


Growth mindset is all about learning from mistakes and adversity.  

John Maxwell states, "Those who profit from adversity possess a spirit of humility and are therefore inclined to make the necessary changes needed to learn from their mistakes, failures, and losses.  They stand in stark contrast to prideful people who are unwilling to allow adversity to be their teacher and as a result fail to learn." (Maxwell, John "Sometimes you Win Sometimes You Learn," P. 19)

I've been mulling this over all day.  Adversity can only profit me if I set aside pride and defenses.  If I puff out my chest to defend my rights, I lose?  I think I get it, when I can see it in myself.  

When I'm looking.  Does this make sense?  I don't want to be an arrogant and prideful person.  

However, do I truly see as I am?  Am I seeking God's and others' insight to the evidence of pride in my life?  

Dr. Maxwell says the impact of pride on one person includes; blame, denial, closed mindedness, rigidity, insecurity and isolation.  Do I blame others for my mistakes and difficulties?  In what areas to I live in denial?  Insecurity and trying to prove myself...pride??  Yes, it is ugly around this heart.

Ezra Taft Benton says, "Pride is concerned about who's right.  Humility is concerned about what's right."

 Dr. John Maxwell provides questions to ask ourselves in order to reflect on our spirit of learning or pride.

Do you tend to believe you know it all?
Do you tend to think you should be in charge?
Do you sometimes believe the rules don't apply to you?
Do you believe you should't fail?
Do you tend to believe you get things done all by yourself?
Do you believe you are better than others with less talent or status?
Do you think you are as important as or more important than the organization?

"Remember, it's the finish, not the start, that counts the most in life." (Maxwell, John, P. 22)

I don't know about you, I have to grow in the area of humility in order to grow and learn and be who God wants me to be.

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