It all begins with a dream. Now it's up to you to make that dream into a reality. A dream will remain just that unless you do something about it.
What makes a success story? The answers are: 5% talent and 95% hard-work. Persistence and know how are essential parts of that hard work.
Willingness to learn is also vital in one's endeavour to be successful. Hunger for success is the driving force behind it all. Part of the learning curve is making mistakes. Don't be disheartened. A mistake made is a lesson learned. The aim is to do it better next time. There is a saying: “If first you don't succeed, try and try again”. Bear that in mind each time you stumble.
Having confidence and faith in yourself will definitely get you where you want to be. People usually look far for basic encouragement. Often it comes from the closest source; like family or good friends
The combination of the above can be dynamite.
A Dream
Walt Disney had one; a wonderland where families can all have fun together. Microsoft magnate Bill Gates had one too. So did Richard Branson, and J M Barry; the author of Finding Neverland.
Okay, not everyone can achieve the magnitude of what these famous people have done. But we can certainly learn from these high achievers. They all share the common believe that given the right attitude and opportunity, they can achieve anything they set out to do. The more obstacles they face, the more determined they become. If we can just emulate their positive attitude and sheer determination alone, surely we can achieve our goals. Just don't give up.
The amount of time and effort it will take to make it will depend on each person. Some people move fast, some progress at a slower pace. The key is to progress at your own achievable level. There is an adage that the slow contender wins the race. Have you heard of the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare? Be slow, but steady, accurate and focused. You can not go wrong.
A classic example is Olympian speed ice-skater Steven Bradbury. In the final race, all the fast skaters whooshed past him. One by one they all took a tumble, and lo and behold, Steven was the last skater to reach the final line. That race won Australia a Gold Medal in 1000m short track event at 2002 Winter Olympic.
Talent
Each one of us has a talent. What we all share is different degrees of talent, determination and dedication.
Having completed a small task, the chance is you will succeed in completing a bigger task. Like a toddler who learns to walk, one step at a time, and then walk confidently, then run triumphantly. It's the law of nature. We ought to push harder each time. Not necessarily to the point of exhaustion. Just remember you are not running a marathon. Set your goal just that bit higher, but realistically achievable by your own standard.
During his primary school year five, my son Lee was one of five students being selected to do a short film animation project; using plastercine as a medium. It was to be entered into a short film festival initiated by Panasonic; for students of varying age groups.
On the first day of their session, three boys turned up. By the last day of the first week, he was the last boy to remain.
So for two school terms, under the supervision of his art teacher, Mr Bamford, Lee slaved away each afternoon after school. I would bring his afternoon tea, along with his little sister, to their art room. His entry, Noah's Art, was an equal winner of two entries in their age group.
Like Steven Bradbury, Lee was the last man standing, slow but steady. And both certainly got their rewards in the end.
Persistence and Know-How
Resist the idea of giving up too easily. No pain no gain. Athletes have this incredible drive to achieve their utmost best. Okay, nobody expects you to live on meager means while training or working hard for hours on end daily, year in year out, for a gold medal. But if you put in the hours, your reward will be there eventually. Try to adopt the idea of balancing work, rest and leisure. You definitely do not want to burn out before reaching your goals.
It is important to know what you're doing before setting to work. If you have done your research, you may never need to work at a break neck speed. Be time efficient. I have seen people who look extremely busy, but achieve almost nothing. Beating around the bush is a total waste of time and energy. On the other hand, do not cut corners either, for you'll pay the penalty eventually.
