Have or Have Not -- Which Gets YOUR Attention?

"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." -- Vince Lombardi

Question: When left to your own thoughts, do you focus more on what you have or what you don't have? Your answer will determine, and most likely already has determined, at least to some degree, your level of success.

I believe it is much too easy to allow ourselves to focus on what we're missing instead of what we have available -- and as a result, surrender the opportunity to build not only our success, but our character, our endurance, and our legacy. In other words, in spite of a possible appointment with destiny, we look at our present conditions and resources and decide not to show up. On the average, it makes sense -- but since when has greatness and personal best ever been found in the comfortable arms of average?

Sometimes it just takes a little bit of inspiration and a look at those who took what they had and made the most of it. One of my favorite inspirational stories, and one that I often talk about, comes from the life of Olympic Runner, Glenn Cunningham. I first read about him when I was in the fifth grade and his courage and determination have always stuck with me and served as a reminder of what is possible.

At the age of eight, Glenn Cunningham was badly burned when a schoolhouse furnace exploded. His older brother Floyd was killed in the accident. Glenn's legs were burned so badly that his doctors recommended amputation. Seeing his distress, Glenn's parents wouldn't allow it and opted for extensive therapy.

Some two years later and determined to walk again, Glenn discovered that running helped alleviate his pain. “It hurt like thunder to walk, but it didn't hurt at all when I ran", said Cunningham. "So for five or six years, about all I did was run... I didn’t move 10 feet without breaking into a run. I ran and ran and ran.”

Glenn Cunningham ran all the way to the University of Kansas where he set a national record in the collegiate mile. Known as the "Kansas Flyer", Glenn Cunningham also competed in the 1932 and 1936 Summer Olympic Games and was even voted "Most Popular Athlete" by his fellow Olympians. He did all this on a damaged pair of legs and a fierce determination to overcome what he didn't have. The fire had weakened his legs, destroyed his transverse arch, and had taken the toes from his left foot. It didn't take his spirit and he never quit.

I believe we can all learn from the example of Glenn Cunningham and faithfully apply his sage advice: “If you stay in the running,” if you have endurance, you are bound to win over those who haven’t.” I believe Vince Lombardi would agree that Glenn Cunningham did all he could with what he had -- and didn't have.

Let's not look at what we're missing, let's look at what we're made of, and more specifically what we have, right now, to start putting it all together. Step out with faith and with courage. There's no telling where your race might take you.

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant.