Everybody loves a good comeback story…snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. The greater the odds the greater the legend of the comeback. It’s a reason to cheer, a reason to believe that no matter how high the deck is stacked, there’s a way to pull out a win.
Comeback stories serve as encouraging reminders that it can be done. Comebacks build nations, companies, careers and legacies.
This past February when the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl, America and fans around the world weren’t just cheering for the team…we were all rooting on a city…a place that fought off the floodwaters and rose from horrific tragedy.
The Saints rose the Lombardi trophy months ago, yet the city of New Orleans continues its comeback.
American author Louis L’Amour wrote: “There will come a time when you believe that everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.”
One of my personal heroes, Walt Disney, came back from 3 bankruptcies to revolutionalize entertainment and lifestyle worldwide.
Steve Jobs was kicked out of Apple. Fired. Then he came back and changed the way we use computers, gather information, listen to music, communicate and even read newspapers. Anyone hear about the iPad lately?
Starbucks was a darling in the 90s under Howard Shultz. Then the company went through a tumultuous struggle to regain its footing. Guess what? Howard is back…and so is Starbucks with a new look and a renewed appreciation for its roots.
How about you?
I’m blessed to work with entrepreneurs around the world. And I’ve heard the stories for years, especially the monumental struggles the past 2 years.
Lost opportunities. Lost jobs. Foreclosures. Businesses taking a beating. Personal crises. Relationships strained by stress. Despair.
You probably have a story to tell to. Yet…you’ve made it. You’ve emerged from those tests. You’re still here. You’re still standing. Now what?
It’s time for your comeback.
In the next few blog posts, I’ll share with you some of the elements of my favorite real-life comebacks I’ve learned from leaders and rising stars around the world. I’ll share their lessons and inspiration in this space and I welcome you to add your comments or email me with your own comeback stories.
Comments
Claudia Ramírez
on April 29, 2010, 8:02 pm
So true!! I think we all have a story to tell. It is my example. Two years ago me and my family had a car accident. My son’s grandpa died and I almost die and loose my right eye too. My son didn’t get hurt at all. His name is Evan and now, thanks God he is going to be ten next july. He means everything to me and gives me the strenght to go on! Last January my son’s father and I decided to break up our relationship after ten years and it’s not been easy. I have no support from him about anything, it’s just on the other hand but a friend of mine talked to me about Xango and your story. I knew then that my dreams can still come true and I’ve been growing up so much since then in many ways. I’m also working in other projects about publicity. I’ve realized that I am not alone, theres so much people who cares about me. I’m still here, I’m alive, stronger and the most important thing is that I’m happy and ready for a new comeback!! In fact, I’ll celebrate my birthday next october 21st in Orlando. This is just the beginning. Thanks to all of you because each word you say makes us wake up and be stronger and better each day. Hugs: Claudia (Mexico)
Julie Barton
on April 29, 2010, 8:10 pm
Awesome and uplifting! Very timely Aaron! Thank you!
Juan Castañeda
on May 4, 2010, 5:47 pm
Awsome!! inspiring all we have to do is STEP UP!!!
Tanya Piazza
on May 11, 2010, 7:57 pm
Hello Aaron
I’m not generally a person who responds. I read something, anything, it moves me and I absorb it but don’t often write back. But there are times when I feel compelled to just get the thoughts out of my head and, at the same time, say
Thank You.
So to begin, Thank You. Thank you for the message, the inspiration, the leadership, the kick in the pants.
A comeback implies i went somewhere – I’ve been here the whole time but never really committed to getting started. I showed up for the first day of practice and I’ve just been doing the warm up exercises, afraid to get in the game.
I know where this comes from, i know what causes this and for me personally, it comes down to a true and genuine fear of success. Xango is a true and genuine success opportunity.
I know the cause of the fear and it comes from always feeling like such a let-down to my family. To being such a “strain” on the family honor. When i was very young, I gave birth to a perfect beautiful baby girl. I gave her up for adoption. In Dec 2009 I was re-united with her and since then, my life has been Heaven-filled and Dreams-Come-True. I see the lessons I was meant to learn and i’ve learned that there is more than one way to be a good mom.
My daughter has always been my Reason for Living – she has been my motivation for everything I have done…good, bad and ugly. But now she’s HERE and now Ihave to be a mom-in-person. I have to lead by example and if I want her to have the strength, courage, determination, belief and hope that Life is Heaven on Earth, I need to show her its truth by living it and not just talking about it. I have to achieve the success i know I am meant for, that i deserve and that i have earned. I have to let go of the feelings of inadequacy, failure and let-down and soar higher than I ever have before. I thank you for the opportunity that your email inspired in me to write this.
I thank you for the opportunity that is Xango – for not only having the courage to go against the grain, tune out the nay-sayers, and follow your heart and your bliss but for sharing that with countless others. Your life, your message and your purpose has made a difference in my life and words seem to be my only limitation in expressing my true gratitude.
I apologize if this is a little long – i could write and write for hours. The time for that has passed – the time for action is Now. I look forward to years of success ahead with Xango.
With gratitude,
Tanya