 A person with an indomitable spirit does not accept defeat! They have a spirit that does not accept failure. This is an important part of being a Black Belt, because on our journey to Black, we may experience failure. It’s been said, if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough!
This week I have an excellent story that illustrates this point. Many years ago, Gene Tunney became the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World because he defeated Jack Dempsey. When he first started his career, he was known as a puncher rather than a boxer. One day, while doing an exhibition match, Gene broke both his hands. The doctors told him he would never be able to fight again. Suddenly, his dream of being a World Champion Boxer was shattered. Tunney did not waiver. He said, “If I can’t become the champion as a puncher, then I’ll make it as a boxer.” After being faced with a career ending injury, Gene figured out a way to continue and still realize his dream. Since he could no longer punch, he would learn to box. History tells us that Gene Tunney went on to beat Jack Dempsey for the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Experts agree that if Gene Tunney had never learned how to box, he could never have been able to beat Jack Dempsey. His apparent set back turned out to be something that made him a better fighter. Teaching Points: Gene Tunney experienced a setback that would make most people quit. His broken hands almost guaranteed that he would never fight again. Having indomitable spirit means having the determination to continue after you have experience a failure or setback. Indomitable spirit is important because in the pursuit of our goals, we are all going to experience setbacks and failure. If you quit, you’ll never accomplish your goals. If have indomitable spirit like Gene Tunney, you’ll figure out a way to continue despite your setbacks. |
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