The Ability to Keep Going: Stories of Defiance and Victory

Life, as we all know, is a rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. In those moments when defeat seems inevitable, when the road ahead appears daunting and insurmountable, it’s the choice to keep going that defines our journey.

Here at ResilientStories, we believe in the power of resilience, in the strength of the human spirit to rise above adversity and emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever. Today, we’re diving into the stories of four incredible individuals who were able to keep going.

They chose resilience over surrender, inspiring us all to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

We asked four thought leaders, “What was the turning point in your life that made you choose to keep going and overcome defeat?”

These Examples Represent Practical Instances of Encouragement

Before delving into these inspiring stories, let’s reflect on the profound meaning they carry.

In a world often clouded by doubt and uncertainty, these narratives serve as guiding lights, illuminating paths of resilience and perseverance.

They remind us to shift our thinking, to redirect our focus from obstacles to opportunities. Each account encapsulates the essence of overcoming adversity, showing that where there is meaning, there is possibility; where there is doubt, there is the potential for growth.

So, let’s embark on this journey together and find the strength required to keep going in these shared experiences.

Push Past Your Limits and Reach Your Unbounded Potential

Meet Jimmy Clare, our first resilient soul.

Rather than letting autism define him, his family nurtured his abilities, allowing him to thrive. Jimmy’s journey teaches us that in life’s challenges lie opportunities for growth and embracing our strengths and encourages us to keep going.

My turning point was the day my parents found out that I was autistic. My parents could have given up on me and set limits on me because I am autistic. They could have given in to the data and listened to all the experts who told them I could not be independent.

Someone would have to cook, clean, drive me places, shop for me, etc. Instead, they did the opposite: they didn’t treat me differently. My brother treated me like any brother would. We both got on each other’s nerves when we were growing up.

My aunts, uncles, and cousins never treated me differently. Everyone knew that I learned differently, but no one told me. The reason why no one told me is that they accepted me for who I am. They didn’t look at me like I had a problem, like some experts did.

As an adult with autism, I can cook, clean, drive myself places, and shop. I even run my own business. The reason why I share this with the world is that you don’t have to let the data define who you are!

One of my colleagues asked me if I thought it was a bad thing that my parents, brother, aunts, and uncles kept my ‘autism powers’ from me. I said to him that when I was growing up, I was immature and couldn’t comprehend what that would entail when I was 10 years old.

Everyone let me find out for myself, and I am glad about that. I wouldn’t know how I would react if they had told me at 10 years old. My parents didn’t limit me to certain things because I am autistic. They let me enroll in karate, piano lessons, camp, golf, etc.

If I wanted to try something, my parents let my brother and me try it, as long as it was safe and within reason, of course. I honestly don’t think I would be the person I am today if my parents had limited me to certain things because I am autistic.

Jimmy Clare, Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Founder, CrazyFitnessGuy

Continue Moving Forward in the Face of Adversity

Meet James Cunningham, a living example of adversity’s transformative power.

Confronting setbacks that could have derailed his dreams, James chose to see challenges as opportunities to keep going and grow.

Through resilience and determination, he not only conquered obstacles, but also became a beacon for others facing their own trials.

There was a moment in my life that really shook me to the core. I had faced several setbacks—personal and professional challenges that seemed insurmountable.

It felt like life was playing a cruel joke on me. I remember sitting alone one evening, questioning everything, and feeling defeated. But then, it hit me—this was my chance to either succumb to the hardships or rise above them.

I decided right then and there that I wouldn’t let adversity define me. I started viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Embracing the idea of resilience, I understood that it wasn’t about avoiding difficulties, but about bouncing back stronger.

It was a turning point, a mindset shift that propelled me to become who I am today. Choosing resilience over defeat has not only transformed my life but also became the cornerstone of my coaching philosophy at Total Shape.

James Cunningham, Senior Coach, Total Shape

Client Loss Reinforces the Team’s Desire to Keep Going

Meet Matt Little, a prime example of resilience amid business setbacks. When a major client backed out, Matt didn’t give up. He regrouped, redefined strategy, and transformed adversity into growth.

His tale underscores that setbacks aren’t endings but bends in the road to promise.

There was a specific turning point in my life that forced me to choose resiliency over failure.

It started when a big client abruptly ended our agreement, causing our business to suffer a large loss. We were hit hard by this setback, and for a while, there seemed to be no other choice but to accept defeat.

However, I made the decision to gather my team and reevaluate our plans rather than give up. We examined the reasons for the dismissal, determined what needed to be improved, and put in a lot of effort to rethink our strategy.

This pivotal moment made me realize the strength of perseverance. It helped me understand that failure is really a fleeting mental state and that setbacks are not irreversible.

We changed our marketing tactics, grew our network, and concentrated on providing great products and services with newfound vigor. Although it wasn’t an easy path, we were able to overcome the setback and prosper in a cutthroat market by making the decision to keep going.

Matt Little, Owner, Festoon House

Corporate Culture Embraces the Mentality Required to Keep Going

Lastly, meet Abid Salahi, highlighting the significance of choosing to keep going in the workplace. Amid financial uncertainty, Abid drew motivation from a poignant quote within his company, emphasizing resilience as a shared ethos.

His narrative reinforces the notion that collective resilience fosters team strength, enabling navigation through any adversity.

The life-changing moment of choosing to keep going occurred during a critical financial quarter. Falling revenues made the atmosphere tense, and I felt the heavy weight of uncertainty.

Walking into the office one day, I saw a sticky note on a desk with a quote: ‘Tough times never last, but tough people do.’ It was an anonymous little piece of hope that reminded me of the bigger picture.

This wisdom from within our own ranks made me realize that resilience was not just a personal choice but a corporate culture we had to nurture—choosing success, no matter how hard the struggle.

Abid Salahi, Co-founder & CEO, FinlyWealth

Stay Creative, Give Yourself a Pep Talk, Stay Focused, and Protect Your Dreams

The inspiring journeys of four resilient souls who discovered the strength to keep going, even when faced with adversity.

Through their experiences, we’re convinced that resilience isn’t merely a trait but a mindset. Keep your creativity alive, talk kindly to yourself, and stay on track.

As we navigate our own paths, let’s draw inspiration from these tales of triumph. With resilience as our guiding light, there’s no obstacle too great, no setback too daunting.

Together, let’s continue to write our own stories of resilience, one chapter at a time, knowing that our unwavering determination to our path will save our dreams from dying forever.

Share Examples of a Time You Chose to Keep Going With Us

Don’t forget to leave us a comment with examples about a time you kept going (paid link) and didn’t break.

Examples of when you were disappointed or gutted, but you were able to save your spirit.

Search deep inside you, take a breath of fresh air, and just keep going!

I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Austin Kleon:

Every day is like a blank page: When you’re finished filling it, you can save it, you can crumple it up or you can slide it into the recycling bin and let it be. Only time will tell you what it was worth.