Greatness lesson: Mandela

I’m starting a series on greatness, inspired by folks you probably know.

My inspiration -- Over the past few months I’ve read and watched a number of autobiographies.  It started with watching Invictus, a gift from Simone and Morris <wave & smiles> when they visited me in Benin earlier this year.  Seeing Mandela portrayed as such a remarkable man and leader inspired me to read his book, “A Long Road to Freedom”.  Though I was previously turned off by the length and weight of it, downloading it to my e-reader made it easily accessible and portable. It was worth every page!

Sidenote: If you want to read more and have some waiting/travel/down time, get an e-reader! As the Liberians say, “I beg of you”.  I think it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made.  

From Mandela I learned that no man can be great unless he’s wrestled with and decided to move forward in doing what is right despite the inner and outer “demons” threatening to get in his way.  Mandela wasn’t any smarter than me or you and, like us, was well-acquainted with difficulties and inner struggles.  He persevered nonetheless.

#1: The root of greatness is dog-stubborn “stick-to-it-iveness” or perseverance despite internal or external resistance. 

Many know about the acclaimed battles Mandela fought against the apartheid regime.  Yet some of his greatest triumphs were personal.  I am convinced that these inner achievements, many of which occurred during his decades in prison, built the foundation for public victories.  Below are two ways he persevered in his personal life:

1.  Exercising regularly

Exercise dissipates tension and tension is the enemy of serenity.  I found that I worked better and thought more clearly when I was in good physical condition, and so training became one of the inflexible disciplines of my life.” – Mandela

Having struggled with doing regular exercise most of my adult life, feeling compelled but not always motivated to maintain the habit, Mandela’s words impacted me.  Exercise in times of difficulty isn’t only a good idea physically but also has mental and emotional benefits. Right now I’m into PraiseMoves, Zumba, tennis and I may join a bike riding club. I’m now engaging in regular exercise to fuel perseverance. 

2.  Pursuing contentment

To survive in prison, one must develop ways to take satisfaction in one’s daily life.  One can feel fulfilled by washing one’s clothes so that they are particularly clean, by sweeping a hallway so that it is empty of dust, by organizing one’s cell to conserve as much space as possible.  The same pride one takes in more consequential tasks outside of prison, one can find in doing small things inside of prison.“ – Mandela 

I’m really feeling this one.  Finding contentment in doing the smallest tasks well truly helps us build a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, which comes in handy when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles and setbacks.  If I washed two loads of laundry and spent quality time in my hammock reading, by golly, I can tackle submitting that paper on time!  This satisfaction applies not only to work but also to play.  As I grow older. I’m learning to allow myself to schedule and take deep satisfaction in resting.

Recently during a conversation with a dear friend, we discussed how life is like compound interest.  It’s not simply that our decisions and investments add up or multiply, but that they add up and multiply building on one another yielding more than we can imagine for better or worse. 

Our moments of fame and recognition may be as scarce as good ice cream in West Africa but opportunities to persevere despite obstacles abound.  Right now, my single friends and I are persevering to find our partners in life – a husband or wife. In the meanwhile, each day we continue to pray, encourage one another, and invest our time building healthy relationships. Ultimately we are working to realize God’s full purpose and plan for our lives.

So what are you persevering in right now?  

You may have already had the privilege of seeing the fruit of your endeavors.  

I’d love to hear about it if you'd like to share.