A local family in my community recently experienced a devastating tragedy when one of their children was severely injured in a freak accident. Most people facing their circumstances would fall apart. This family did not. Prior to this accident, they were that type of family that seemed to have it all – financially well off, popular, beautiful home, high achieving children, and physically fit. It’s easy to think people in this situation were born of privilege - that they came from the right families, had good genes, and drew the lucky straw at birth. However, seeing this family’s response to the tragedy revealed very clearly why they had been successful. It was the way they lived life. Watching the family members’ reactions, including the victim’s, to the accident with such grace inspired this post. Their reaction shows why successful people triumph in life, while others do not.
So what do successful people do that others do not?
They embrace change
Immediately when this family’s world was torn apart, they not only accepted it, they embraced it. They chose to let go of their past and live fully in their new reality.
They are grateful
Although their son would be hospitalized for months and have lifelong disabilities, they were grateful for the minute improvements in their son’s health and that he had survived the accident. They praised the hospital staff. They were grateful for the bond it created in their family. They expressed pure joy in what they had, instead of focusing on what they had lost. It was not only the parents who were grateful, but also the children.
They do not pity themselves
Yes, this family grieved, but they did not feel sorry for themselves. They expressed sadness but never did they complain about the situation.
They have faith
They know the world is bigger than they are. They did not understand why this had happened to them, but they surrendered to God’s will. They went with the situation. They prayed that in time they would understand why the accident occurred. They had complete faith brighter days were ahead.
They support and serve others
Each member of the family constantly praised the other family members, and they didn’t stop there. They spoke with the utmost respect of their friends, the health professionals, and their community. Instead of becoming self-absorbed, they looked out not for themselves but for those around them. When others reached out to help them, they would turn the tables to serve those who helped them. Not once did they tear down or make a derogatory comment about another person. They went out of their ways to build up others.
They concentrate on their present circumstances while working toward a long-term objective
While focusing on the immediate medical needs of their son, they also set long-term goals to achieve. They created a goal of returning him to his former life when the situation was extremely bleak. They spoke with complete confidence they would achieve this objective, and every step taken in the present was working toward a future purpose.
They deal with their emotions constructively
Instead of turning to negative behaviors, such as drinking or over eating, they exercised, prayed, confided in friends, and wrote to release the pain.
They get up early
Instead of sleeping to avoid their misfortune, they rose early each day to reflect on their lives and start the day in a positive direction.
They view themselves as winners
Instead of letting the situation destroy their self worth, they called themselves winners, intentionally choosing to flourish instead of shutting down.
We can all learn from this family and adopt their attitudes and behaviors. Watching this family handle this situation has truly been inspiring and a huge learning experience on how to approach life.
So what do successful people do that others do not?
They embrace change
Immediately when this family’s world was torn apart, they not only accepted it, they embraced it. They chose to let go of their past and live fully in their new reality.
They are grateful
Although their son would be hospitalized for months and have lifelong disabilities, they were grateful for the minute improvements in their son’s health and that he had survived the accident. They praised the hospital staff. They were grateful for the bond it created in their family. They expressed pure joy in what they had, instead of focusing on what they had lost. It was not only the parents who were grateful, but also the children.
They do not pity themselves
Yes, this family grieved, but they did not feel sorry for themselves. They expressed sadness but never did they complain about the situation.
They have faith
They know the world is bigger than they are. They did not understand why this had happened to them, but they surrendered to God’s will. They went with the situation. They prayed that in time they would understand why the accident occurred. They had complete faith brighter days were ahead.
They support and serve others
Each member of the family constantly praised the other family members, and they didn’t stop there. They spoke with the utmost respect of their friends, the health professionals, and their community. Instead of becoming self-absorbed, they looked out not for themselves but for those around them. When others reached out to help them, they would turn the tables to serve those who helped them. Not once did they tear down or make a derogatory comment about another person. They went out of their ways to build up others.
They concentrate on their present circumstances while working toward a long-term objective
While focusing on the immediate medical needs of their son, they also set long-term goals to achieve. They created a goal of returning him to his former life when the situation was extremely bleak. They spoke with complete confidence they would achieve this objective, and every step taken in the present was working toward a future purpose.
They deal with their emotions constructively
Instead of turning to negative behaviors, such as drinking or over eating, they exercised, prayed, confided in friends, and wrote to release the pain.
They get up early
Instead of sleeping to avoid their misfortune, they rose early each day to reflect on their lives and start the day in a positive direction.
They view themselves as winners
Instead of letting the situation destroy their self worth, they called themselves winners, intentionally choosing to flourish instead of shutting down.
We can all learn from this family and adopt their attitudes and behaviors. Watching this family handle this situation has truly been inspiring and a huge learning experience on how to approach life.
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