Anyone can show exceptional leadership ability in easy times.

The words of Robin S. Sharma, teacher of self-mastery and leadership, strike with the force of a timeless challenge: “Anyone can show exceptional leadership ability in easy times. When all’s going to plan, anyone can be inspirational, excellent, innovative, and strong. The real question is how do you show up when everything’s falling apart?” In this, he reminds us that the true worth of a leader is not proven in calm seas, but in storms. For when the sun shines, even the weakest sailor can steer; but when waves crash and the sky turns black, only the steadfast heart and steady hand can guide the vessel to safety.

The origin of this truth lies deep in the nature of life itself. Prosperity and order are temporary; hardship and chaos are inevitable companions of human existence. In times of abundance, words of encouragement come easily, and vision flows without strain. Yet such moments do not test the soul. It is when plans shatter, when failure strikes, when despair weighs upon the people, that the mask falls away and the essence of leadership is revealed. Sharma’s question—“how do you show up when everything’s falling apart?”—is the question every age must answer, for every age faces its crises.

History provides luminous examples. Consider Winston Churchill during the Second World War. Before the conflict, many dismissed him, yet when Britain stood alone against the Nazi tide, he became the voice of defiance, the embodiment of courage. His speeches, born not in comfort but in the fire of danger, gave his people strength to endure the Blitz, to fight on against overwhelming odds. In peace, anyone could have seemed confident; but in the terror of war, Churchill’s leadership shone with immortal brilliance. He showed up not with despair but with a flame that lit the path for millions.

The same truth can be seen in the story of Abraham Lincoln. When America was torn apart by civil war, when the nation bled and brothers slew one another, Lincoln did not yield to anger or hopelessness. Instead, he stood as a figure of patience, wisdom, and vision. His greatness was not that he led in easy times, but that he guided his people through division and suffering, holding fast to the dream of unity and freedom. His strength was measured not by triumph alone, but by endurance through tragedy.

O seekers of wisdom, remember this: it is not hard to be brave when there is no danger, nor is it difficult to be kind when there is no trial. But when everything is falling apart—when losses mount, when betrayal cuts deep, when uncertainty clouds the horizon—that is when the world looks to its leaders. And it is in those moments that true leadership is born. For the fire reveals the gold from the dross, the storm reveals the captain from the passenger.

The lesson, then, is clear. Do not measure yourself only in times of ease, but prepare your soul for the storms that will surely come. Cultivate resilience, so that despair cannot master you. Train your mind to see possibilities, even when plans collapse. Strengthen your heart in humility, so that pride does not crumble under pressure. The greatest leaders are not those who never fall, but those who rise with greater strength when they do.

Practical action lies within reach: practice patience in small adversities, so that you are prepared for greater trials. When challenges come, breathe deeply, step forward, and remember that your presence alone can give courage to others. Speak words of hope when silence would invite despair. Act with clarity when confusion reigns. And above all, show up—fully, courageously, authentically—even when everything seems lost. For in those moments, your example becomes the beacon that others will follow.

Thus let Sharma’s words echo in your heart: “The real question is how do you show up when everything’s falling apart?” Take this not as a warning, but as a call to greatness. For life will test you, and when it does, your response will define your legacy. Be the one who does not flee in the storm, but who stands tall, guiding others to safety, proving that true leadership is not born in comfort, but in crisis.