003. The Stockdale Paradox (Part 2 of 3)
In part 1, we spoke about how James Stockdale knew it would be difficult to make it through being a prisoner of war, but it would be worth it.
Well long before Vice Admiral Stockdale was captured, Viktor Frankl wrote about the same thing. In his book, Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor Frankl talks about his time in the concentration camps. The shock of prison camps, the will to survive, and the depersonalization that took place there was immense.
Viktor Frankl knew what James Stockdale knew: It would be difficult to get out, but it would be worth it.
Around each corner in the prison is adversity looking to tear down hope and cause disillusionment. Frankl talks about how the only thing you have during times of suffering is the ability to control your mind. He indicates that finding hope is essential.
Viktor Frankl wrote in his book that death rates were substantially higher from Christmas to New Years because people “hoped” they would be home for the holidays. After realizing that they weren’t getting out, they lost hope and died.
Your goals are the same way. It’s going to take time, effort, perseverance, and patience, but it will be worth it. Just keep putting in the work, stick to your plan, feed off the little wins, have a good attitude, and you’ll eventually get to where you want to be.
