I’m an English major with no formal qualification in business and yet that has never deterred me from being in business. I started out formally in business with zero capital as a network marketer and just recently have become the owner of a bridal shop. I have come to this place in my life not because I had money, but because I used what I had to get what I wanted and what I had was passion, zeal, hope and faith in God. I will share with you this little story about passion and I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me.
As a 10-year-old boy decided to study Judo (a Japanese martial art and sport) despite the fact that he had lost his ‘LEFT’ arm in a devastating car accident.
The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.
“Sensei,”(Teacher in Japanese) the boy finally said, “Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?”
“This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know,” the sensei replied.
Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.
This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. “No,” the sensei insisted, “Let him continue.”
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament.
He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.
“Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered.
“First, you’ve mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo.
And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your ‘LEFT’ arm.”
The boy’s biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.
A word from me to you: As you start out in business or whatever project you are dreaming of, it’s not about the amount of capital that you have but your passion, perseverance, character and skills will open doors for you and bring you success.
Be willing to learn from others even if you do not agree with their methods, be willing also to learn from your own disappointments, mistakes and those of others.
Overcome your “disabilities”, conquer your fears and you will shine like the sun.
Above all else believe in God and believe in yourself.
