Bright Triumphs from Dark Hours: Turning Adversity Into Success

By David Heenan

The dark hours: They occur when we find things spiraling out of control, when we feel most vulnerable and incapable of finding a solution. In a world often turned dark and cold, more and more people seem to be trapped in nightmarish circumstances. Americans, the world's optimists, when faced with an intractable situation, are taught to believe that through hardwork and will power they can "beat the odds." Yet, according to David Heenan, keeping one's nose to the grindstone may actually make things worse.

Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours examines the lives of ten extraordinary people who overcame great adversity in their personal or professional lives by applying winning strategies that guided them out of the darkness of near-defeat and into the light of success. From New York City school chancellor Joel Klein taking on the monumental task of overhauling the city's embattled public school system to renowned scientist Shirley Ann Jackson breaking down barriers to become the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT and head a major research university to retired U.S. Navy Commander Scott Waddle reshaping his life after the Ehime Maru disaster--in these inspiring stories Heenan identifies key strategies that helped each person stay upbeat in the swirling vortex of tough times. The final chapter outlines these practices in greater detail and explains how they can be used to create personal roadmaps to negotiate life's darkest hours--from which come its greatest successes, its brightest triumphs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824834305
• ISBN13: 9780824834302
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

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I read an interesting book over the weekend called Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours: Turning Adversity Into Success by David Heenan. Bright Triumphs talks about the story of 10 people who overcame adversity: Joel Klein-New York City school chancellor who overhauled the city's public school system. Shirley Ann Jackson-The first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT Bill Snyder-revered football coach. Joanne Boyle-lead University of California's women's basketball team, while surviving a cerebral hemorrhage. Gary Guller-scaled the world's highest peaks, despite only having one arm. The Frozen Chosin-These US Marines escaped the deadly fog of war on the frozen Korean peninsula to fight another day. Sacagawea-lone Indian, lone mother, lone female, lone teenager on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Scott Waddle-Navy commander whose split-second mistake caused the Ehime Maru disaster. Against all odds, this tragedy for which he assumed all responsibility, led him to a new, unlikely career. Patti Dunn- Former HP chair who fought cancer while trying to restore her professional reputation. Steve Case-High-tech entrepreneur rebounding from ill-fated AOL Time Warner merger to lead a philanthropic revolution. The lessons we learn from the book about adversity: 1) Learn from Adversity. Triumphant people know that not everything will work. Do not equate the occasional setback with defeat. Accept adversity, and move on. Like I say "Fail Often, Fail Fast, Fail Cheap". 2) Fashion a New Dream. Set big goals. Decide where you want to go, and how you will get there. Imagine both your goals, and your pathway to success. Some changes may be beyond your control. Be able to make corrections as you go. 3) Sell Your Vision. Restore people's faith in the future. Do not allow nay-sayers to stop you from achieving your dream. 4) Share Your Dream. Connections are invaluable. Developing a team of alliances that you can turn to in tough times. 5) Focus, Focus, Focus. Know what you are able to do. Find the difference between what is important, and what can wait. Resilient personalities are able to smile in the face of adversity. 6) Start Now. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Set goals that are specific, and break them down into manageable parts, so that each success builds confidence and momentum. I do believe we can learn from our mistakes but true wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others.

A choice and very highly recommended read that should not be overlooked

Anyone can prosper when anything is going well, it takes the truly exceptional to succeed when everything is going against you. "Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours: Turning Adversity into Success" tells the story of ten exceptional individuals who flourished under Pressure and against all expectations and odds. From pulling a school system out of the pits of worthlessness to military men reshaping their lives after disasters change the course of their lives, David Heenan shows 10 inspirational individuals that will reiterate the wisdom to never give up. "Bright Triumphs from Dark Hours" is a choice and very highly recommended read that should not be overlooked.

Uplifting read with practical implications

Dr. Heenan, an academic and practitioner with an impressive record as a professional manager, has encapsulated ten uplifting biographies in one book. The common thread is that adversity may be overcome with perseverance and a clear mind. The chaos of globalization and the dizzying pace of current economic events suggest that the actions of the executives portrayed in this book set a good example for any upcoming executive.

Inspirational and timely

Right for the times...Heenan provides ten widely varying examples of bright triumphs overcoming dark adversities, told in his customary forward leaning, into the wind style. Each example is filled with wisdom using both contemporary and historical quotes aiding and encouraging the reader to apply the triumph to their own challenges. The book ends with a short and concise discussion of six strategies for success in overcoming adversity. a timely read.