WHO’S THE AUTHOR
Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, writer and poet. Nietzsche continues to influence our thinking today with concepts such as God is dead, the übermensch, and the will to power. What does not kill me makes me stronger (German Was mich nicht umbringt macht mich stärker) is part of aphorism number 8 from the "Maxims and Arrows" section of Friedrich Nietzsche's Twilight of the Idols (1888).
HOW TO APPLY IT IN YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE
Work on your resilience. In the article two important elements of this internal locus of control are developed: the growth mindset and the circle of influence. With a growth mindset you embrace challenges as an opportunity to learn. And in your circle of influence you pro actively take action to influence the outcome. Proactive people seek refuge in actions, reactive people in feelings.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Many interpret the statement as meaning that setbacks, pain and misery make you stronger. But setbacks, pain and misery only make you stronger if you learn from them for the future. Because even if you get back on your feet after a setback, if you don't grow and learn from it, the next setback will hit you even harder.
NICE TO KNOW...
Friedrich Nietzsche himself faced great setbacks in his life, setbacks he never overcame. Suffering from long-term migraine attacks and worsening blindness, he was forced to leave his Chair. After that, he mentally collapsed. Crying, he embraced a horse that had been beaten in the street and threatened to kill the German emperor... all painful experiences that Nietzsche endured and from which he couldn’t find the strength to recover and grow. His life ended after 11 years of physical and psychological deterioration.
