Abraham Lincoln : A leader who was not defeated by the defeats

How many times can you withstand defeat in life? Once, twice, or at the maximum five times? It requires a great amount of willpower and determination to move forward towards your goal after a few setbacks.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States and one of the greatest leaders in history, failed repeatedly in business, elections, and personal life, far more than anyone can imagine.

Abraham Lincoln’s Long List of Failures:

• 1832: Lost his job and was defeated for the state legislature.
• 1833: Failed in business.
• 1835: Fiancée died—he was heartbroken and depressed.
• 1836: Had a nervous breakdown.
• 1838: Defeated for Speaker of the Illinois House.
• 1843: Defeated for Congress.
• 1848: Lost renomination for Congress.
• 1855: Defeated for U.S. Senate.
• 1856: Defeated for Vice President.
• 1858: Again defeated for U.S. Senate.

Abraham Lincoln kept going. He never quit and finally …

1860: Elected President of the United States.

Now let us see the achievements of Abraham Lincoln as the President of US:

• Led America through the Civil War
• Abolished slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation
• Preserved the Union, and
• Became one of the most respected leaders in world history.

Famous Quote by Abraham Lincoln:

“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”

Personal note

One person whom I am immensely grateful for motivating me throughout my life’s journey is the great leader Abraham Lincoln. It was the powerful quotes from Abraham Lincoln, that gave me some hope during the times when I considered myself a failure.
When I was in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a United Nations Peace-Keeper, I took a print copy of the above-mentioned motivating story of defeats and the final victory of Abraham Lincoln and pasted it on the walls of the tent in our Soldiers’ Library.
Abraham Lincoln teaches us that defeat is not destiny. Even after repeated setbacks, he stayed focused on his goal and ultimately changed the course of history.
If you are preparing for competitive exams or pursuing ambitious dreams, Abraham Lincoln’s story is proof that failure is only final if you quit.