--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Difficulties can be a valuable tool in…" description: "\"Difficulties can be a valuable tool in our pursuit of perfection. Adversity need have no necessary connection with failure.\" — Marvin J. Ashton" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/marvin-j-ashton-3195_adversity_difficulties-can-be-a-valuable-tool-in-o_1045359.png" --- # Difficulties can be a valuable tool in our pursuit of… ![“Difficulties can be a valuable tool in our pursuit of perfection. Adversity need have no necessary connection with failure.” quote by Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/marvin-j-ashton-3195_adversity_difficulties-can-be-a-valuable-tool-in-o_1045359.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/marvin-j-ashton-3195_adversity_difficulties-can-be-a-valuable-tool-in-o_1045359.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/marvin-j-ashton-3195_adversity_difficulties-can-be-a-valuable-tool-in-o_1045359.png) > “Difficulties can be a valuable tool in our pursuit of perfection. Adversity need have no necessary connection with failure.” [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Challenges are tools for growth, not necessarily linked to failure, and can aid the quest for excellence. **In simple terms:** Challenges help growth, not always failure. Key Takeaway Embrace challenges as growth opportunities. Themes self‑improvement adversity excellence Mood motivational reflective Type inspirational philosophical When to use this quote - sports training - academic pursuits - career development - personal goals Key Concepts Resilience growth mindset learning theory Questions to Reflect On - How can we turn adversity into progress? - What limits does adversity impose? A Different Perspective Challenges can also cause burnout if mismanaged. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) [Connections](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/connections/) [Difficulties](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficulties/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Pursuit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursuit/) [Pursuit of perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursuit-of-perfection/) [Tools](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tools/) ## Related quotes > [The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time, because nothing is ever perfect. The pursuit of excellence is commendable and worthwhile.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-kulwicki/the-pursuit-of-perfection-is-frustrating-and-a-waste-of-time-because/) [Alan Kulwicki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-kulwicki/) > [The indefatigable pursuit of an unattainable perfection -even though nothing more than the pounding of an old piano -is what alone gives a meaning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/logan-pearsall-smith/the-indefatigable-pursuit-of-an-unattainable-perfection-even-though/) [Logan Pearsall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/logan-pearsall-smith/) > [And, more importantly, reach for the stars. And realize that it is never too late – not now, not ever – for you to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbi-fields/and-more-importantly-reach-for-the-stars-and-realize-that-it-is-never/) [Debbi Fields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbi-fields/) > [When you face adversity, you need to remind yourself that whatever is trying to defeat you could very well be what God will use…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/when-you-face-adversity-you-need-to-remind-yourself-that-whatever-is/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [ Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to \[grow and\] become successful. For that reason it makes sense to be grateful… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/sometimes-adversity-is-what-you-need-to-face-in-order-to-grow-and/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/sometimes-adversity-is-what-you-need-to-face-in-order-to-become/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [God in His infinite wisdom knows exactly what adversity we need to grow more and more into the likeness of His Son. He not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-bridges/god-in-his-infinite-wisdom-knows-exactly-what-adversity-we-need-to/) [Jerry Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-bridges/) > [As creators, our pursuit of perfection might be misguided, particularly if it comes at the expense of the things that matter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seth-godin/as-creators-our-pursuit-of-perfection-might-be-misguided-particularly/) [Seth Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seth-godin/) > [Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-royce/strive-for-perfection-in-everything-take-the-best-that-exists-and/) [Henry Royce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-royce/) > [Nobody is perfect, so get over the fear of being or doing everything perfectly. Besides perfect is boring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jillian-michaels/nobody-is-perfect-so-get-over-the-fear-of-being-or-doing-everything/) [Jillian Michaels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jillian-michaels/) > [Your job is not to be perfect, your job is only to be human.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacqueline-novogratz/your-job-is-not-to-be-perfect-your-job-is-only-to-be-human/) [Jacqueline Novogratz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacqueline-novogratz/) > [It’s called the pursuit of perfection. The pursuit is the idea that you’ll never be perfect in gymnastics but you can continue to pursue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-horton/it-s-called-the-pursuit-of-perfection-the-pursuit-is-the-idea-that/) [Jonathan Horton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-horton/) > [The pursuit of perfection often impedes improvement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-will/the-pursuit-of-perfection-often-impedes-improvement/) [George Will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-will/) > [The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ed-bliss/the-pursuit-of-excellence-is-gratifying-and-healthy-the-pursuit-of/) [Ed Bliss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ed-bliss/) > [Perfectionism is the counterfeit of excellence. Excellence is Kingdom, while perfectionism is religion. What ever you do, do it with all you might, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-johnson/perfectionism-is-the-counterfeit-of-excellence-excellence-is-kingdom/) [Bill Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-johnson/) ## More by Marvin J. Ashton > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [Satan is ever present, trying to destroy our glory and remove our crown. One of his most powerful tools is discouragement. Don't let your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/satan-is-ever-present-trying-to-destroy-our-glory-and-remove-our/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [Shaking off restrictive chains requires action. They cannot be wished away. A declaration will never break chains. It requires commitment, self-discipline, and work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/shaking-off-restrictive-chains-requires-action-they-cannot-be-wished/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [“The shepherds were invited to come and see. They saw. They trembled. They testified. They rejoiced. They saw Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/the-shepherds-were-invited-to-come-and-see-they-saw-they-trembled/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/as-children-of-god-we-are-somebody-he-will-build-us-mold-us-and/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [We should teach, particularly ourselves, that nobody is a nobody. We are someone, and with God's help we can accomplish all things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-should-teach-particularly-ourselves-that-nobody-is-a-nobody-we-are/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/perhaps-the-greatest-charity-comes-when-we-are-kind-to-each-other/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [“An understanding, loving heart is the pinnacle of all human emotions…. We come closest to becoming Christlike when we are charitable and understanding of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/an-understanding-loving-heart-is-the-pinnacle-of-all-human-emotions/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [When a mother asked her small child how he fell out of bed, he answered, "Because I wasn't in far enough." Let me just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/when-a-mother-asked-her-small-child-how-he-fell-out-of-bed-he/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [All of us need to be constantly reminded it takes a heap of living and loving to make a house a home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/all-of-us-need-to-be-constantly-reminded-it-takes-a-heap-of-living/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [A willingness to vocalize feelings. How important it is to be willing to voice one's thoughts and feelings. Yes, how important it is to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/a-willingness-to-vocalize-feelings-how-important-it-is-to-be-willing/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [Peace-not passion, not personal possessions, not personal accomplishments nor happiness-is one of the greatest blessings a man can receive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/peace-not-passion-not-personal-possessions-not-personal/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [Young people . . , God wants us to be victorious. He wants you to triumph over all of your foes. Stalwart and brave…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/young-people-god-wants-us-to-be-victorious-he-wants-you-to-triumph/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/the-direction-in-which-we-are-moving-is-more-important-than-where-we/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [“With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. … It is sunshine when clouds block the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/with-god-s-help-good-cheer-permits-us-to-rise-above-the-depressing/) [Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) [Explore all 137 Marvin J. Ashton quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) ## More Adversity quotes > [We love playing together and we love adversity. You know, back-to-back, the two best teams in the East.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-nash/we-love-playing-together-and-we-love-adversity-you-know-back-to-back/) [Steve Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-nash/) > [When we have public success we also have private struggles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deion-sanders/when-we-have-public-success-we-also-have-private-struggles/) [Deion Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deion-sanders/) > [“The threats that resurfaced in the past 10 years were not an aberration. Al Qaeda and terrorism or one such threat, but it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-friedman/the-threats-that-resurfaced-in-the-past-10-years-were-not-an/) [George Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-friedman/) > [He who is content with what has been done is an obstacle in the path of progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/he-who-is-content-with-what-has-been-done-is-an-obstacle-in-the-path/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [“Friction is necessary. Ease of life leads to complacency and the atrophy of the human will and spirit. Within our struggles lives our strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-versey/friction-is-necessary-ease-of-life-leads-to-complacency-and-the/) [Jason Versey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-versey/) > [“Every adversity is just another opportunity to excel a little more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-templet/every-adversity-is-just-another-opportunity-to-excel-a-little-more/) [Michel Templet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-templet/) > [“Just because she doesn't talk about it, doesn't mean she isn't feeling it. She hurts, but she won't wear it on her sleeve. She…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfa-h/just-because-she-doesn-t-talk-about-it-doesn-t-mean-she-isn-t-feeling/) [Alfa H](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfa-h/) > [Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-buckham-kennedy/every-trial-endured-and-weathered-in-the-right-spirit-makes-a-soul/) James Buckham Kennedy > [Honesty, by evil fortune tried, Finds in adversity the seed of praise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ovid/honesty-by-evil-fortune-tried-finds-in-adversity-the-seed-of-praise/) [Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ovid/) > [“Struggles are not associated to a particular people or creed, everyone struggles, not for the same reasons, but each has a personal struggle at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-chirisa/struggles-are-not-associated-to-a-particular-people-or-creed-everyone/) [Wayne Chirisa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-chirisa/) > [“Watch a man in times of adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretius/watch-a-man-in-times-of-adversity-to-discover-what-kind-of-man-he-is/) [Lucretius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretius/) > [God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/god-often-hides-his-blessing-in-trouble-or-trial-which-makes-it-all/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [“Life is not about less mistakes but about more trials”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-e-sever/life-is-not-about-less-mistakes-but-about-more-trials/) S.E. SEVER > [Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/show-your-contempt-for-the-problem-and-your-concern-for-the-person/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-everything-feels-like-an-uphill-struggle-just-think-of-the-view/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 5,001 Adversity quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Difficulties can be a valuable tool in our pursuit of perfection. Adversity need have no necessary connection with failure.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Marvin J. 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