Believe I Can
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| Alexander - the great |
336 BC a young Macedonian Prince slept with a dagger under his pillow, constantly in fear of assassins. 334 BC leading his men aboard boats, as he neared Asian shore, seized a javelin hurled it onto the beach and jumped out, the first on land. Alexander the Great at the young age of 22 undertook a journey... that created HISTORY and almost conquered the whole world, only because he believed in himself. Overcoming fears and fighting for what he truly believed in, he redefined norms.
Each one of us would have, at least once in our life arrived at a crossroad and chosen something which made the difference.
It was mid January 1999 and I was all geared to take on the challenge of being the first elected President of a local Rotaract Club, an organisation for youth. I had quit my monotonous job as it lacked challenge. I was clueless where I was heading, shouldering the responsibilities of my family, my new post and my quest for a new career. Those days I loved reading the tabloid Mid-Day, and would participate in all contests. I was selected the winner of a music contest. The grand prize was a music cassette - a compilation of English songs. Lazing in bed, listening to the songs, I almost dozed off.
The song by R. Kelly “I Believe I can fly” brought me back to my senses as I intently listened to each and every word. I replayed the song a couple of times. Something in that song triggered a sense of purpose in me. Before I could react, my thoughts already began putting in place an action plan for my future as a leader!
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| believe I can |
What I conceptualised as a young leader ready to take on the mantle of a youth organisation that people would easily relate it to their own beliefs. Believe I Can.
On July 9, 2000 my efforts were recognized and I earned the distinction of being amongst the top five “Outstanding Presidents” from a total of a 150 plus clubs. When I accepted the award, I shed tears of joy as the hall erupted to a thunderous applause from my team that gave me a standing ovation. Deep within I knew that what I had set forth to do, a year ago, had been achieved. Today when I look back, I realized the ABC for success.
A: Assimilate Synergies
Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently. Bring together people who can help you achieve your goals. You need to capitalize on collaborative strengths, assimilate synergies. Utilize skills of your opponents; make them a part of your journey. Barack Obama, President of The United States inducted Hillary Clinton into his core team. It is not necessary to indulge in a conflict with your opponent - collaboration always works! It helps us to achive bigger dreams.
B: Believe I Can
You need to change your attitude, towards your life, yourself and your beliefs. Your attitude will determine your altitude! It’s easy to give up when you are low, but what matters is how long you sustain the pressure and overcome the hurdles. One who believes I can would always succeed!
C: Constantly Motivate
Give your team due credit for the work they have completed. People need motivation, and if you acknowledge and reward them, they would surely be with you all through. Recognition is your way of motivating the team and people who you intend to take along the journey. Remember a motivated team member would help you scale new heights!
The best saved for the last: The choice is yours, if you want to be an Eagle and soar high or peck grains all day like a chicken… whatever the choice you make let your heart and mind sing in sync “believe I can…”
This edited version was my second speech at Toastmasters.
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