On Life

What are the 3 Biggest Challenges You’ve Overcome in Your Life?

Learnings from struggles

Do you ever think about the challenges you overcame that made you who you are today?

It’s 8 am in the morning on a rainy day in Thailand. I am sitting on my balcony in Phuket, drinking my first cup of morning coffee while observing the vast ocean before me. Boats calmly drift from side to side, spreading their white sails like a proud peacock. People with smiles on their faces casually strolling the streets below. Live music silently playing in the background.

I can’t stop but think how blessed my life is right now.

Even a year back, I never envisioned my life taking such a positive turn.

Every life is full of challenges, and mine was no exception.

It took me a long time to realize that every challenge brings new opportunities. Every bad thing that happened in the past led me to a great moment I am experiencing right now.

The issue is that you rarely see the challenge’s positive effect while dealing with it.

This is the reason why I want to stop and appreciate the three biggest challenges that got me to where I am today.

Challenge #1: Failing law school

Story

The first challenge that profoundly impacted my life happened during my studies.

Fresh out of high school, I believed I could conquer the world. I still can’t believe how naive I was.

My parents always wanted the best for me and thought it best to become a doctor or lawyer. My grades were not good enough to become a doctor, so I settled on being a lawyer.

Big mistake.

I soon realized practicing law is far from what you see on the television. And studying it is as enjoyable as doing chores.

Instead of attending classes, I was partying. From time to time, when I did decide to participate in the class, I was more concerned about the girls there rather than the lecture. It’s safe to say that my contribution was close to zero.

I didn’t know much, but I did know that this is no way to live my life.

Resolution

I decided enough was enough and dropped out.

During my gap year, I worked as a cleaning man from Monday to Sunday for the first half of the year and then as a waiter for the second half. Both jobs taught me a lot about dealing with different people, which turned out to be very helpful later on in my corporate career.

I also decided I would become a better student. I applied for an International Relations degree which I always wanted to do in the first place. The faculty was not very prestigious, but at least I studied what I wanted.

From day one, I decided to approach new studies differently. I began to actively participate in all classes (first by raising my hand and asking one smart question and later by engaging in the discussion). My grades improved, and I built deep connections with both my colleagues and professors. This, in turn, lead to many new opportunities later on.

I finished my undergraduate degree with a 9.1 average grade and was well prepared to conquer the world. Or was I?

Key learning

Always listen to yourself. People might want what is best for you, but only you know what is best for yourself. Listen to others, but make (and stand behind) your own decisions.

Challenge #2: Breaking into top management consulting firm

Story

The first time I participated in a management consulting recruiting event, I was intrigued.

I never knew what I wanted to do in my life and consulting seemed like a place that would allow me to explore my vast interests.

The problem was that I was coming from a non-target school.

Everybody told me I should have more realistic expectations and set my eyes on a target that would be achieved more easily.

Unfortunately for them, I thrive on challenges.

Resolution

I started to plan well in advance.

During the recruiting event, I asked consultants what was the best area to study to break into the industry. Their common response was business. This was why I applied to Master in Business Administration on Faculty of Economics (IMB).

I got accepted, but the road only got harder.

I was determined to prove everybody wrong but painfully aware of how hard it would be for me to get noticed by the company. I decided I would do everything required to stand out.

First, I finished my masters with a top grade. I managed to complete all my exams with a 9.5 average grade.

Second, I started volunteering with 180 Degrees Consulting. This gave me first-hand experience in consulting and client management.

Third, I decided I would be the most prepared person ever to take a consulting interview. I spent one month researching how to best prepare for the interviews. After that, I spent three months preparing for the actual interviews.

Fourth, I spent a lot of time networking with and learning from people already in my desired position. Everybody I reached out to went above and beyond to answer all of my (stupid) questions and help me practice for the interviews.

The effort helped my application stand out and I got invited to the interviews. I passed all six interviews and soon kicked my career in consulting.

I always wonder where all the no-sayers are when you prove them wrong.

Key learning

Everything is possible if you believe it (and work hard to get it). Outwork fucking everybody — this is the only way to success.

Challenge #3: Leaving comfortable high-paying job to find my purpose

Story

After almost five years in consulting, I was close to burnout.

Spending more than 200 days on the road each year, taking 1–2 flights a week, and always eating out took a significant toll on both my mind and body.

I was considered successful in terms of career progression and money but was failing in all other aspects of life.

I contemplated leaving for a long time, but there was always the next flashy thing I was chasing — a new promotion or a big end-of-year bonus.

On top of that, I was struggling with two more things.

First is the forecasted economic crisis, which will make my re-entry to the labour market harder.

Second is my corporate career. I was on a fast promotion track and building my reputation within the company. Leaving the company was therefore a big risk.

I did not know what would make me happy, but I sure as hell knew what was making me unhappy.

With that in mind, I took a leap of faith.

Resolution

I decided to try succeeding on my own.

I agreed to a 12-month sabbatical to take some time off and explore my other interests. The company went above and beyond to help me realize my dreams, and I am eternally grateful for that.

I am currently in month 4 of my Southeast Asia trip, and it is safe to say that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

Is it scary? 100%

Is it worth it? You bet 🙂

Key learning

Dealing with uncertainty and putting yourself in an uncomfortable position is the only way to grow.

Conclusion

Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise — Kobe Bryant

Every challenge is an opportunity to grow if you embrace and learn from it.

It is up to you to decide what you will take from it.

So…what was the biggest challenge you overcame in your life?

Follow me on my journey :)