Overcoming the Odds: Turning War Obstacles into Opportunities

Back in the early 1900s, in a tiny Milwaukee shed, two friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, dreamed of motorbikes. They toiled away, crafting their prototype. It was a modest start, but their ambition was anything but.

Despite their enthusiasm, the road was bumpy. The early 1900s were tough times. Resources were scarce, and competition was fierce. They faced technical hurdles too. Their first bikes weren't powerful enough, struggling even on Milwaukee's modest hills. But they didn't give up. Instead, they innovated, creating a new, more powerful engine.

Then came World War I. It was a challenging time, but also an opportunity. They had to ramp up production quickly to meet the U.S. military's demand for thousands of motorcycles. This required major changes in manufacturing and design to create bikes rugged enough for wartime terrain. They also grappled with material shortages and a reduced workforce, as many potential employees were drafted. Despite these obstacles, Harley-Davidson successfully delivered over 20,000 motorcycles, playing a crucial role in the war effort. This period was key in transforming them from a small domestic company to a globally recognized brand. This not only helped their country but also put their brand on the map.

Through the Great Depression, they persevered. While others folded, Harley-Davidson adapted, even venturing into commercial and police markets. It wasn't easy, but their resilience paid off.

Today, Harley-Davidson stands as a symbol of freedom and adventure, a testament to the power of perseverance and the American spirit. Their story is a classic tale of turning adversity into opportunity. With a recent slowing of sales and revenue, I look forward to seeing how they adapt and evolve with the times... they have earned that benefit.

The hardest times in our career can contribute to how we are so much better for that happening. It can take a long time to realize that but if we reflect on what we knew then and how we would manage a situation now, we will be armed with experience and ways to get through the next obstacle that comes up.

I had a conversation with Lynn Smith who was a news anchor for 15 years with experience at the TODAY Show, NBC News, and CNN, where we discussed the adversity that occurred along her career path and how she has learned from the hardest times in her career. Watch the full episode of Underdog Untold, a show where I interview successful people who will share their adversity in an open conversation.

Some of the most 📈 successful people I know:

1. Read daily.

2. Aren’t afraid to ask questions to understand something more deeply.

3. Ask for feedback - not for ego but for getting better.

4. Try new things that may not work, but want to fulfill their curiosity.

5. Become a mentor or teacher for others.

6. Are kind while being confident.

7. Say NO often.

8. Choose Positivity over Negativity.

9. Have a small group of trusted friends.

10. Listen more than they speak.

I have tried to adopt these over time and I hope to get better, hear from others on what they believe is success, and promote positivity and kindness because WE all need it.

For more ways to invest in ourselves and work on our mindset to keep moving forward, check out my book Physician Underdog.