When it comes to being successful, often we are our own worst enemy. In the midst of setback, often our failures teach us more than our successes. All you have to do is take a look back into history.
As a child, I was fascinated by the stories of Little Big Horn, but the more I learned I soon discovered that General George Armstrong Custer had some serious character flaws. During his military career, he had a reputation for fearless aggression, questionable tactics, and was not always well respected by his men. He was also court martialed twice. Eventually, Custer ended up out west to control the Indian uprisings, but even then was almost removed from his post due to a heated disagreement with then President Ulysses S. Grant. Controversy seemed to be his constant companion.
It was on June 25th, 1876 during the ill-fated Battle of Little Big Horn when General Custer’s luck would run out. The fate of Custer and his men was sealed when the two other troops deployed to help him were ineffective. Then unbeknownst to Custer, he advanced too quickly right into the middle of thousands of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors with just 210 of his own men. When he underestimated his opponent, he and his troops paid for it with their lives.
We can learn even from Custer. Listen to wise counsel and be honest with yourself. When you do suffer a setback, be quick to take responsibility and try never to make the same mistake twice. More times than not, the biggest hindrance to success in life is ourselves.
Perhaps we can apply what George Santayana said, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Swavel
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