The Antagonist as an Ally

A vocation which involves constantly observing and hearing the difficulties of an individual or communities life can be daunting.  The individual serving as a case manager, resource specialist, or average volunteer, if consistent in his or her participation, will eventually experience some level of psychological, emotional, or physical impact.  Suffering prompts internal reflections on a very difficult world. We begin to ask questions on “Why did this happen to her and not me?” The emotionally intuitive will suffer under the weight of his own gift of being able to easily empathize with the suffering of another, internalizing a sadness or even a bitterness which was never his own. Suffering which is external and not deserved can have a significant impact on the life of another. Yet difficulty can also serve as a tool to sharpen and refine the character and skill of a human being. 

Now, you may ask, “In what world Phillip do you consider human difficulty or suffering as a positive tool for human development?”  Let’s turn for a moment to the world of sports.  In a competition in which at a minimum there are two individuals in opposition with the intent to score a goal there requires some level of antagonism. Your antagonist with skill, persistence, and determination must work within some established parameters to prevent you from achieving your goal of scoring one point more than him or her. The antagonism will take on multiple forms to include physical opposition, verbal and non-verbal intimidation, and determination to impose hir or her will on your effort. The antagonist is necessary for your competitive development. Assuming you taste the agony of defeat, it will be in your personal reflection and review of the “game tape” you will have to assess your strengths and weaknesses.  The antagonist, if you choose to view his actions as tools to refine your psychological, emotional, and physical prowess, exists as your ally to become better over time. 

Human beings possess varying levels of skills which exist naturally and can be cultivated over the course of repeated practices under various circumstances. A skill developed and implemented in various difficult situations can overtime become exceptional. The antagonist by implication should possess skills which exceed your own and cause you to dig deeper than what you have previously done. When you face skill greater than your own placing you in difficulty, it will be in those moments growth can occur. 

Stoic philosopher Seneca who reflected on providence related to the human experience of blessings and sufferings commented, “without an antagonist prowess fades away.”  The road to becoming exceptional will not be achieved in periods of ease and lax, rather, you must call upon an antagonist whose prowess is greater than yours. By placing yourself freely and willingly in situations which stretch you psychological limits, challenge your emotional boundaries, and push your physical limits, your skill and prowess is enhanced. The alternative of ease and being lackadaisical only creates stagnation.  Admittedly, to choose an antagonist with greater skill implies courage but also humility.  Courage in the sense you are facing the possibility of defeat and yet you are humble enough to place yourself in a position to learn from the experience. 

So to those who are hesitant to speak in large crowds, find opportunities to speak to a group five or ten individuals larger than your previous engagement. If you serve as a non-profit director or grant writer, pursue a larger foundation with greater requirements. Your desire to write or photograph, find an antagonist who will critique your work and offer the criticism necessary to enhance your craft. 
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“Without an antagonist prowess fades away.”