Adversity

“There is nothing better than Adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” – Malcolm X

Adversity is the state of hardship, difficulty, or misfortune that someone deals with in life. I’ve experienced problems, difficulties, and misfortunes; yet, Adversity never gets easy. Moreover, hardships can make or break a person.

Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC)

The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) is an elite organization within the U.S. Army. The SAMC member is someone who is an outstanding Noncommissioned Officer (NCO); essentially, the SAMC member is the individual who will get the challenging but rewarding task. The SAMC member is someone who will escort VIPs, serve their community in numerous capacities, and the first volunteer picked for difficult jobs.

The SAMC doesn’t do a lot of advertising, in which the club (for the most part) keeps a low profile. They are the mentors and top leaders in their organization; yet, these individuals are very humble!

When I tried out for the SAMC, it was a three-month process, which was something I was willing to endure. I wanted to be a part of the best leaders in the Army, an elite group that honored the World War II hero, Sergeant Audie Leon Murphy.

He was the most decorated combat soldier in the war, earning 33 awards, including the Medal of Honor, also decorated for bravery by the governments of France and Belgium.

After the three-month process, I attended the Panel Board consisting of 8 Sergeant Majors who were some of the top leaders within the Army. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the club.

I remember the Sergeant Major coming up to me and saying that he had no doubts that I was an outstanding leader; however, “you should come back next time!” That hurt!

After three months of studying – early mornings, last nights, weekends, putting in work, and I came up short at the end. It left a mental scar – that I still feel today!

Sometimes Adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.

A month later, I was able to go back through the process of becoming a SAMC member. The process wasn’t easy, but I was able to push through – I made it, and was inducted into the SAMC club before going on my first tour to Iraq.

Nevertheless, the failure on my first try was hard, but a necessary lesson in life. Because, you may be the best and the most qualified; however, the test was to see if you have what it takes to overcome the Adversity? Or you resilient? Leaders are resilient.

About two years later, I’m in the Senior Leadership Academy and still thinking about the Sergeant Major telling me “I didn’t make it and to come back next time.” Nevertheless, I pushed myself so hard in the leadership Academy, that I was awarded the “Iron Man Award” and graduated in the top 10 percent of my class. There’s beast mode; yet, I went Full Savage!

I am told we get one shot at life, one opportunity at life (so true). As I work on my Doctorate Degree there will be many more tough times and failures. However, I will just have to push through the Adversity.

I push myself to be all I can be! I’m leaving nothing on the table!

If there is a heaven, I believe there is – I want God to say, “Anthony, you exceeded my expectations; I didn’t know you had that in you.” Great job!!

Anthony