Embodying A Winner's Mentality: How Career Adversity Strengthened And Shaped My CharacterAlthough the struggle of my life's current challenges is far from being over (for now at least), my character has undergone a profound level of transformation that's completely changed the way I work and engage in situations that I simply didn't desire to be in.

ByJamilla D. Ali

意见expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

It's no secret to thereaders of my articles so farthat I have experienced a considerable amount of obstacles during my career and personal life trajectory. Although the struggle of my life's current challenges is far from being over (for now at least), my character has undergone a profound level of transformation that's completely changed the way I work and engage in situations that I simply didn't desire to be in.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter if you're an entrepreneur, a musician, a CEO or a plain Jane. Rising to the occasion, especially during times of career difficulty, should be incorporated into the mentality of those who crave growth, development, and success. It's effortless to remain stagnant when you're not happy, but it takes strong character to utilize how a transitional phase can work for you.

For example, I worked several jobs that didn't require education or a special skillset after graduating college. It was easy for me to feel above it all, and simply show disinterest behind close doors. I felt, my education shouldn't be in vain, and my fearless travels gave me a niche others may not have. However, after coming acrossan article written by Fida Chaaban onEntrepreneur Middle Eastsometime ago, it triggered a light bulb moment for me. She wrote: "Being able to rise up to the occasion is, often, what sets the winners apart from the losers."

As a writer, I believe our readers have the ability to interpret the author's experiences and knowledge in their own way. For me, Fida's words were not only encouraging to those who need to rise up, it offered a lesson in showing up, even in the face of adversity. Although I'm in a place that seemingly isn't beneficial to me, it shouldn't have the ability to take awaythe winner's spirit that I've carried with meever since I can remember. Character is so much more then what jobs, cars, and education can give you. Character is partially who you become when the vision you have for yourself hasn't materialized, and the uncertainty of your future becomes a blur.

I recently met two entrepreneurs who are both in the startup phases of their business. One is working part-time as a coffee barista, while the other drives for a mobile taxi app. It was evident the success of their business was priority one. However, both entrepreneurs demonstrated the utmost appreciation for the jobs they had to work, in order to bring their dreams to life. Not once did they verbalize dissatisfaction or unappreciative demeanor for their current situations. Instead they gave 100% to their enterprises, from my observation, and welcomed the sacrifice of working service jobs in order to help align with their entrepreneurial goals.

Where you are now may not be ideal, buta winner's mentality strives to win, even when the situation may not be worth winning. Instead of complaining or not giving it your all, attempt to make it work for you in the time you have in order to prepare for the next phase. Success could be right around the corner, but keep in mind success is materialistic, and your character ultimately belongs to you and the spirit you've continuously built it on.

Related:Entrepreneurship Leaves No Room For Laziness

Wavy Line

Jamilla D. Ali is a native New Yorker and graduate of Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, New York. Jamilla previously worked at a boutique branding agency in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where she was responsible for all new client business development efforts. Prior to Jamilla’s experience in Dubai, she was a writer for various startup blogs catered to the underground hip hop music scene and cultural activities in and around the New York City area. Jamilla continues to pursue multiple disciplines and aspires to write a book documenting her life changing experiences at home and abroad.

Related Topics

Growth Strategies

Seven Insights From A Deaf Entrepreneur On Fostering Inclusion In The Business World

拥抱包容性不仅仅是一个道德obligation, it is a strategic imperative.

News and Trends

Shifting Mindsets: Growing A Culture Of Impact Investing In The MENA Region

Impact investing is built on the foundation of translating intention into results with robust impact measurement. That makes articulating impact or sustainability alongside financial metrics crucial.

Technology

LEAP Launches Its Quarterly Magazine, LEAP Forward, An Exploration Of The Global Tech Landscape Through The Lens Of Saudi Arabia

LEAP, the global tech event that has been running annually in Saudi Arabia since 2022, has published the first edition of its new quarterly magazine, LEAP Forward.

Finance

Germany's GIZ And Switzerland's Seedstars Launch Joint Initiative To Develop Palestine's Fintech Landscape

While 60% of adults have bank accounts in Palestine, only around 10% utilize credit products, resulting in limited financial literacy and offerings. Similarly, SMEs make up 95% of all business but contribute to just 16.4% of the Palestinian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Growth Strategies

Bolstering Bridges Between France And The GCC: A Look Back At The Inaugural Edition Of Vision Golfe

Held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, Vision Golfe was staged by Business France, a French government agency that supports the international development of the country's economy.

Finance

Infographic: The Surge Of Mega-Round Investments In The MENA

The growth of funding in the MENA region has exceeded US$4 billion in both 2021 and 2022, and the number of mega-rounds of $300 million or more has seen an increasing trend with three seen in 2021, and six in 2022, including two scaleups listing on stock exchanges.