We are defined, not by our success, but by our ability to overcome adversity, in the pursuit of success.
A crucible is, by definition, some harrowing adversity that can leave us momentarily thunderstruck with pain, anguish, anxiety and uncertainty.
The Great Depression was a crucible for millions in America. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were crucibles for an entire country – Japan. Surviving cancer is a crucible for too many individuals.
Almost every self-made millionaire in my Rich Habits study had to face a crucible during their march towards success. Running out of money was a common one. Failure was another for 27% of the millionaires in my study who failed at least once. Bankruptcy and divorce, were other crucibles that tested their resolve.
A crucible is an event that pushes you to the brink of surrender. It is the ultimate test of your ability to survive. It is often a turning point for those who are somehow able to survive. Crucibles test you, push you, challenge you and forever change you.
If you think you are alone, facing some crucible that is dragging you down into a dark hole, you are not. Many, just like you, have had to face crucibles at some point in their lives and survived to talk about it. Crucibles are meant to test you, challenge you and transform you. When you battle through your cocoon of adversity that is your crucible, you emerge a butterfly, better, beautiful and forever changed.
As Churchill famously said, when you find yourself in hell, keep going and never, never, never quit.
