13/03/2025
Every day presents an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. It’s up to you to navigate the hours and unlock your full potential. One fundamental truth about time is that we all have the same 24 hours—whether you’re among the poor, middle class, upper middle class, rich, or wealthy. Excuses won’t create progress, and wishful thinking alone won’t bring results. Instead, take action on your thoughts and train your mindset to stay focused on transformative goals. It’s perfectly fine to start with small steps as you work toward larger ones. You’re more likely to achieve your ambitions if you dream big—sometimes even big enough to scare yourself—than if you settle for modest aspirations. However, those grand goals should come with a clear, step-by-step plan to reach the milestones you’ve set.
Let me share a brief, relatable story that most people have experienced or will encounter at some point.
We’re often sold the idea that attending school is the path to becoming a better, more significant person—perhaps even the best in your chosen field—leading to the ideal life. This dream includes a loving family, exciting vacations, the ability to meet your family’s needs and wants, driving a top-tier car, enjoying the finest food, and, most importantly, securing your family’s health without financial worry. As you grow old enough to understand the world around you, your parents—guided by this narrative and inspired by the success of others who pursued higher education—eagerly enroll you in school. They may not know what your future holds, but they take the leap anyway, trusting in the promise of education. Society often judges people’s qualifications by their academic credentials rather than their practical skills or effectiveness, especially when it comes to job opportunities. So, you embark on your academic journey, progressing from one stage to the next. As you advance, the challenges intensify, but you’ve grown accustomed to the process—the pressures, the highs and lows, the frustrations from peers or teachers. And as the years went on, despite being an adult capable of making your own choices, you stay committed to the goal, pushing through every obstacle. After years of effort, you finally earn your academic achievements and feel a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.
Now, picture yourself as that child starting out. At first, the journey might have begun with tears—perhaps you were coaxed or disciplined into going to school or sitting in class. For some, the early days were thrilling: seeing friends in crisp uniforms, shiny new shoes, and being dropped off by parents or guardians sparked excitement and hope for something special. But as time went on, you realized it wasn’t all glamour. Some mornings, you resisted and cried before heading out. Yet, through determination, you stuck with it.
Now, imagine you’re that child again, but this time with a new idea—one that excites you but also fills you with fear. The “what ifs” creep in, threatening to hold you back from something great. You hesitate to start, afraid of failure, unsure about taking responsibility, or unprepared to take small steps toward bigger ones. Over time, this hesitation can lead to wishful thinking, and slowly, your idea might fade into a distant memory.
Here’s some key advice: When an idea or dream excites or intimidates you, write it down. Share it with trusted friends or even your parents (though they might not always believe in your vision)—simply talking about it is a solid first step. It’s just an idea; it might succeed or it might not. Don’t let fear stop you. Create a step-by-step plan to turn that idea into reality and seek guidance from people you trust. The journey will be long and challenging, but in the end, you’ll emerge stronger—whether through valuable experience or tangible success.
The next time an idea sparks reluctance, reflect on your early academic journey. Draw courage from those baby steps and the resilience you built along the way.
Wishing you a wonderful Thursday!
