I’ve been a lifelong fan of Ben Franklin and M. Scott Peck. And boy, they both have something you must remember always:
As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Those things that hurt, instruct.’ It is for this reason that wise people learn not to dread but actually to welcome problems and actually to welcome the pain of problems.
M. Scott Peck
I’ve come to believe that obstacles and pains can shape our lives more powerfully than mere instructions. You can read a damn good book and still not remember or practice all its principles compared to experiencing a tragedy.
Few of my biggest successes in my career and life have stemmed from the powerful lessons I learned from tragic (and even joyous) experiences. Those lessons have helped me think, act, and react to almost all the challenges that life, circumstances, and people have thrown at me.
And I’ve continued to reflect on the hurtful moments in hopes of finding the wisdom that will help me become stronger, wiser, and better.