Performers and spectators
Does
it not seem, sometimes, as if on the day God created the human race, He made
two different piles: those who perform and those who simply just watch and
cheer or sneer?
At
times it may look like that is the case. But then it would mean that God
bestowed upon a certain percentage of human race a great deal of favoritism and
that cannot be the case because God does not favor some and disregard others.
There
are times, even from history, when it seems some people were specially favored
or shown a great deal of benevolence. But if you look closely you will find out
that they always did something good to “deserve” the benevolence they received.
They were either kind, compassionate, humble, hardworking, obedient, etc.
So
then, what is it that makes some people stand out from the rest? What is it
that makes some people great investors, inventors, artists, leaders, parents
etc., and why do the rest remain to be mediocre?
The
following are some of the qualities that make some people do great things and
stand out from the crowd:
- A driving force. Normally these people have something that drives them to do what they do. This force becomes a passion, and nothing great can be achieved without a passion. Thomas Edison (1847-1931), the inventor of the light bulb, was driven by his fear of the dark. May seem funny, but then every vehicle needs some form of fuel, doesn’t it?
- Tenacity. Another famous person known as William Edward Hickson popularized the proverb “Tis a lesson you should heed: Try, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” This means not giving up after a failure. It also means trying to find an alternative every time a certain technique does not work, until it finally works. This Thomas Edison, mentioned above, while making his light bulb failed sixty-one (61) times before finally coming up with a bulb that worked. For every time you fail, count it as a lesson and work hard to move forward. Do not give up; sometimes one door is closed so that another can be opened.
- Hard word. Very few good things in life can be achieved without hard work! It is a saying from the legendary Thomas Alva Edison that says “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Hard work is what gets things done. Even a baby nursing at a mother’s breast uses a lot of effort to get the milk from the breast. If he does not want to work hard at getting the milk, I am afraid the human race may be at a danger of extinction.
- Respect humble beginnings. Said Salim Bakhresa is renowned for being one of the wealthiest residents in Tanzania and operating numerous business ventures. What few people know about him is the fact that at the age of 14 years he dropped out of school to become a potato mix salesperson! I am, by no means, encouraging people to drop out of school. All I am saying is that you can start from where you are, no matter how low you are, and rise up to be a star. Education is only one door, not the only door.
- A deep hard look within. Take a look at yourself, inside. Surely there is something you can do/be really well. No, do not imitate him/her; just be yourself. Each person was born with a talent, gift or ability and you are not an exception. Find that talent, gift, ability or opportunity and exploit it really well. In the Bible, Proverb 18:16 says, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Take that verse to mean whatever you will, but I’m telling you to use your opportunities.
Do
you not shudder to think that you might die to live no trace or memory that you
ever lived? Well, I do.
So
it is time to stop doing nothing. Do something. Instead of sitting there and
looking at what everybody else is busy doing, consuming what they’re making,
and commenting on their performances, why don’t you do your own so that others
can see?
Live
a productive life.