One
of the world’s most recognized and popular statesmen, Nelson
Mandela (an anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and
philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999),
shared indelible lessons that every entrepreneur can take to heart.
The
former South African president’s plight to overturn apartheid was an
inspiration to many around the world. As Mandela once explained, ““It is never
my custom to use words lightly. If twenty-seven years in prison have done
anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how
precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live
and die.” (South Africa, July 14, 2000).
Here
is an inspiring look at six quotes attributed to Nelson Mandela that can
positively impact your life and your business.
1. “Difficulties break some men but
make others.”
Starting
a business is full of victories … and difficulties. But what truly
distinguishes a winner is the resolution to keep going. Overcoming business challenges is
par for the course of entrepreneurship. From learning how to build brand
awareness and compete against established companies to building a winning
company culture and hiring great talent — these difficulties, in the mind of a
winner, are merely opportunities.
2. “It always seems impossible until
it’s done.”
Onlookers
will often say to a fledgling and hopeful entrepreneur, “That’s impossible.”
But those who have built successful companies know one thing to be true:
““Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier
to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to
change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.
Impossible is not a
declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing.” (Muhammad Ali) To build a successful business, is to
perfect the art of the “possible.”
3. “Everyone can rise above their
circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about
what they do.”
Every
business owner is faced with broad commonalities, and a multitude of varying
circumstances. And if you are in business for any length of time you will
inevitably hear someone tell you the importance of dedication and passion.
Dedication equips you for the road ahead while passion inspires you to go the
extra mile;when others would likely tell you to “pull over” or “turn around”.
While many of us will not face the depth of struggles that many great men and
women have encountered, we know that without these things success is infinitely harder to attain.
4. “I learned that courage was not
the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does
not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Before
you consider your latest and greatest business idea, land your first customer,
pivot your business model, explore new market opportunities, and scale your
success you will come face to face with fear. Not once, but many times. So,
before an entrepreneur masters anything else in business, they must master
their fear: the fear of failure, disappointment, the unknown.
Overcoming fear
in business starts with repeated action despite challenges and perceived
setbacks. Ideally, each action is strategically based on a business game plan.
Remember: the next great success in business is one step away from the mastery
of your fear.
5. “There is no passion to be found
in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are
capable of living.”
What
are you truly capable of becoming? If you have the courage to build your dreams
into reality then I’d venture to say that you are capable of much more than you
ever believed. I once said that entrepreneurs are the new
superheros because “By definition, superheroes are people that
possess extraordinary powers and skills.
Doesn’t that sound like an
entrepreneur to you? Small business owners certainly accomplish seemingly
impossible feats, tackle enormous risks and rely on a supporting cast of
invaluable characters to get the job done. While we’re not costumed crime
fighters, we have an even more important role in society — to change the
world.”
6. “Do not judge me by my successes,
judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Behind
every great entrepreneurial success story is another story … of setbacks,
challenges, defeats and failures. As you grow a successful small business, from
zero to hero, you will learn that success is merely a byproduct of quality
decisions that are made — day in and day out. Every entrepreneur will fall
down, but those that are successful know that failure is temporary and true
success rises .. and rises … again.
GBSH Consult is a global management consulting firm proven in delivering leading business results. GBSH Consult supports clients in preparing them to be investment ready as well as position them in the global business marketplace. For more information go to www.gbshconsult.com
No comments:
Post a Comment