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Fight or Flight: The Role of Defiance in Personal and Professional Success

The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally, and his subsequent defiant reaction of holding his fist up and shouting “fight” has captured widespread attention. For most Trump supporters, they have only become more committed and enamored with him in the aftermath of last Saturday’s incident. For his opposition, they will continue to find things to critique and criticize every step of the way.

As much as I support Trump over Biden, if I am being honest, I was initially taken aback when he stopped to shout, “Fight!” My initial reaction was that it was an overly aggressive and antagonistic thing to shout at that time. While I immensely commend his presence of mind in seizing the moment and making a bold statement, was there not a more suitable word to say?! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how apropos it was for Trump to say, “Fight.”

Say what you want about Donald Trump – but no one can argue with the fact that he isn’t getting knocked down or knocked out. Thus far, he has endured everything that has been thrown at him from all walks of life. He is a fighter, so it makes total sense for him to say what he did.

Despite the immediate danger, his display of remarkable resilience and determination illustrates the characteristics essential for overcoming adversity in various aspects of our lives – including our careers, finances, and personal struggles.

In the professional realm, unwavering commitment to long-term goals is crucial. Professionals must maintain focus and persistence, even when confronted with significant setbacks. This is especially true for business owners or those in a sales or business development role. Adaptability is another key trait; quickly adjusting strategies in response to changing circumstances can make the difference between failure and success. Emotional regulation also plays a vital role, allowing individuals to maintain composure and make clear, rational decisions under pressure.

When it comes to financial resilience and supporting a family, having a clear fiscal plan is essential. Emergency preparedness is equally important. An emergency fund can provide a buffer against unexpected expenses and crises, preventing them from derailing financial stability. Overcoming financial hardships requires perseverance, maintaining a positive attitude, and relentlessly pursuing financial stability despite obstacles.

Having a strong vision and setting meaningful goals provide direction and motivation, helping individuals stay focused during tough times. A reliable support system – comprising family, friends, and mentors – can offer essential assistance and encouragement. Continuous learning and self-improvement are also crucial, enabling individuals to better handle life’s challenges by learning from experiences and staying informed.

To cultivate resilience, individuals can take several practical steps. Setting clear goals provides direction and motivation in both careers and finances. Developing a support network ensures that one has access to guidance and encouragement. Practicing self-care, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and mindfulness, can enhance one’s ability to cope with stress.

Most importantly, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities helps individuals analyze what went wrong and how to improve rather than dwelling on the negatives. Finally, staying flexible and being prepared to adapt plans as circumstances change can help you navigate unexpected challenges more effectively. As I like to repeat, “Nothing happens to you – it happens for you!” My hope is that each of us has the presence of mind to seize our moments and fight for what we know to be true and important.

Would You Rather: Without it impacting your finances, would you rather be able to change the past or see into the future? Please email or message me to let me know your choice! Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at Shmuel@approvedfunding.com.