Giving Thanks for Our Bad Moments

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It’s Thanksgiving week here in the US and, to be honest, I don’t think we can possibly talk about “gratitude” enough these days. Especially with the comparison culture that exists so much through social media, it does a body (and mind) good to simply sit back and count the blessings.

But I wanted to do a different take on gratitude today by focusing on the “bad” moments that I’m most grateful for. I can’t mention them all, but here are a few that come to mind.

I’m grateful for…

The family friend that told me right after opening my swimming pool company almost 20 years ago, “So I hear you’re going to be a pool guy… What a waste of talent!”—THANK YOU. You helped me realize that “titles” don’t mean squat in society, and that regardless of what you or I may “perceive” from one’s title, that certainly doesn’t define who they are or what they can become.

The debt that affected my family so much growing up—THANK YOU. You helped me clearly see just how debilitating debt can be, how it rips away one’s ability to choose, and the pain it can cause in the home.

The time when I was 16 years old and my head went through a windshield in a car accident—THANK YOU. That night taught me a lot, from not doing stupid things with friends to the importance of seat belts and to the reality of just how quickly things can change in an instant.

The awful moments I’ve had on stage in front of thousands of people. Whether it was the time I gave my first major keynote to 1,500 people and got pulled from the stage (I went over my time and like a dummy didn’t know it) or the time I interviewed Gary V. on stage in front of 2,000 people and proceeded to have the whole thing flop due to poor chemistry and other reasons—THANK YOU. Each of those moments were like a good kick in the teeth that made me much, much better in the long run.

The economy collapsing in 2008 and how it pushed us to the brink of bankruptcy at my swimming pool company—THANK YOU. I never would have embraced digital marketing, created They Ask You Answer, turned my business into one of the most successful swimming pool companies in the world, or become a professional speaker had you not tried to crush us like you did.

The health collapse I experienced in 2016 and my body’s literal revolt (after being tested for a set of life-threatening diseases I ended up being diagnosed with a rare disorder called Benign Fasciculation Syndrome)—THANK YOU. You forced me to completely change my diet, my habits, and my outlook.

The young lady that I met in 6th grade and immediately fell in love with despite the fact that she wasn’t interested in me at all. She made me work for six long (and often depressing) years to get my first date. The persistence was worth it, as we’ve now been married for 20 years and counting.

This list could go on, just as I’m sure yours could too, but here is the rub—our greatest growth generally comes from our most difficult and challenging times.

So in the midst of the storm, let’s remember there is almost always a silver lining.

No, generally it’s not immediately obvious.

And yes, sometimes it takes years to have the luxury of hindsight.

But the correlation between struggle, pain, friction, and joy is real—as I’m sure you’ve seen as well.

So during this time of “Thanksgiving” (wherever you may be), I’d ask you to answer the following question:

What were the difficult moments in my life that brought me the greatest growth and, ultimately, gratitude?

If you’re willing, please hit “reply” to this email and share at least one with me. I’d love to know your story a little better as well.

In Gratitude,

PS: On a total side note, I’m hiring for an important position at my agency. The role would be filled by someone who not only understands digital sales and marketing but has the ability to act as a “consultant” to companies—pushing them (through great communication skills) to improve every day. If you know someone that has the ability to communicate with company leaders and challenge their beliefs in an effective way, please let me know by replying to this email, any help would be appreciated greatly as we continue to grow at IMPACT.

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