By David Tepera, September 15, 20222

There is a saying that people remember your failures more than your successes. For those of you who follow sports, it’s common for spectators to criticize coaches and players for bad plays.

There are plenty of internet bullies who voice their opinion and blast professionals because they think they know better. But, if you watch athletes long enough, then you’ll see the quarterback redeem himself with a winning touchdown, the previous strikeout batter hit the walk-off home run, or the basketball player who missed the free throw sink the winning 3-point shot.

You see, our lives are just like the sports we watch or participate in. Life will throw curve balls to strike you out. You might even get hit by a pitch. Yes, it hurts at first, but you’ll jump back up to take another swing.

Other times, life seems to be moving smoothly, then all of a sudden, a catastrophe knocks your feet out from under you. But, because nothing can keep you down, you’ll regroup and come back stronger.

Now, this is the person you must be known for. One who can bounce back from any adverse condition.

If you’re in this world, you can’t escape failure. Some people dive head first into situations, while others curl up and hide. You alone must make the decision to be strong or not.

If it hasn’t happened already, you will one day mourn the loss of a loved one. Maybe it’s a spouse you’ve spent decades with. Hopefully not, but there are those, like me, who’ve buried children. The death of my 23-year-old son Dustin almost took me under. At that time, I was a single parent raising a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old, so I didn’t have a choice but to stay strong.

Another time, I hit hard financial times that wiped out all my retirement and investments. I had to file chapter 13 bankruptcy to set up payments. My credit score was ranking around zero.

Throughout the years, I paid everything back, met my wife and created a booming business.

I’m not trying to give a “look at me” speech here. I’m letting you know that I’m just like you. You might be really dealing with some serious issues today. You could be backed into a corner and don’t know how to fight your way out.

Look, keep your head high and don’t give up. You’ll get through this like you have in the past. Guess what? I promise, as long as you keep moving forward, life will be better than before.

Remember, be known for bouncing back from failures more than your successes.