The Simple Truth: You Can Change the World By Your Wisdom
One of the most liberating realizations in life is understanding that everything around you, everything you call life, was created by people who were no smarter than you. This means that the world is not fixed; it is malleable. You have the power to influence, change, and even create new realities. This simple truth is the key to unlocking a broader, more fulfilling life. The minute you realize that you can poke life, that you can push against it and see it respond, you begin to see possibilities where others see obstacles.The Role of Perseverance: The Key to Success
Understanding that you can change the world is only half the battle. The other half is perseverance. It’s one thing to have an idea, a vision of how things could be better. It’s another thing entirely to turn that vision into reality. The road to success is fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. It’s easy to give up, to decide that the dream is not worth the struggle. But those who succeed are the ones who keep going, who push through the tough times because they are driven by something deeper than just the desire for success—they are driven by passion.The Power of Asking: The Importance of Reaching Out
One of the most underrated tools in life is the simple act of asking. Most people don’t get the experiences or opportunities they want because they never ask for them. They are afraid of rejection, afraid of failing, or simply afraid of bothering others. But in reality, most people are willing to help if asked. It’s often as simple as picking up the phone, sending an email, or asking for a meeting.For instance, at a young age, I reached out to influential people who were willing to help because I wasn’t afraid to ask. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: the worst that can happen is someone says no, but the potential benefits of asking far outweigh the risks.
The act of asking separates the doers from the dreamers. Dreamers have great ideas, but without action, those ideas remain just that—dreams. Doers, on the other hand, are willing to take risks, to ask for help, to face rejection, and to keep going. This is what ultimately leads to success.
The Thinker-Doer: A Powerful Combination
In any industry, the people who make the most significant contributions are not just thinkers or doers—they are both. Great innovations come from those who can think deeply about a problem and then roll up their sleeves and do the hard work necessary to solve it. This combination of thinking and doing is what leads to exceptional results.Take, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, who was not just an artist but also a scientist, a chemist, and an engineer. He combined all of these skills to create works of art that have stood the test of time. The same is true in any industry today. The most successful innovators are those who can think critically and then take action to bring their ideas to life.
Staying True to Core Values: The Foundation of Long-Term Success
As you grow and succeed, it’s easy to lose sight of your core values. The pressures of business, the desire for growth, and the lure of success can lead you to make compromises. But staying true to your core values is essential for long-term success. These values are what guide you through tough decisions and keep you focused on what truly matters.For instance, when faced with a situation where the easy route was to let something slide, I chose to stand by my principles, even though it was a more challenging path. This commitment to core values is what has kept me and my company grounded and focused on our mission: to create the best products for people.